Ousmane Dembele has revealed his delight after signing a new deal with Barcelona until June 2024.
The France international left the Catalan giants on a free transfer at the end of June, having failed to come to an agreement with the club over a new deal.
Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Bayern Munich were among the clubs to be credited with an interest in the World Cup winner on a free transfer.
However, it was announced on Thursday that Dembele had agreed a new two-year deal with the Catalan giants, ending the speculation surrounding his future.
The 25-year-old said that he was "very happy" to agree a new deal at Camp Nou and has said that his "first option" was always to stay with Xavi's side despite the contract saga.
© Reuters
"Today is a very happy day. I've had difficult years because of injuries but this is another time," Dembele told reporters at the Ciutat Esportiva.
"My first option was to stay. It [negotiations] has been long but we are all happy and I can't wait for the season to start to help.
"The aim is to win titles, the dream is the Champions League and I'm going to give my all to win this title. I'm going to work hard and I hope it's a very good year for me and for Barcelona.
"The first years when I arrived here were difficult for me with all the injuries, but now I now feel part of the team and the city and I will continue to defend the crest."
Dembele had reportedly wanted double the €6m (£5.2m) salary that had been placed on the table by Barcelona, but it is understood that he has now accepted the reduced salary due to the club's financial issues.
© Reuters
Barcelona president Joan Laporta branded Dembele "a special talent" and also praised him for 'adapting to the new wage structure' at Camp Nou.
"Ousmane has a special talent, he is a different player," said Laporta. "Xavi wants him and so does the club, it's an emotional day. I have an admiration for Ousmane as a player and as a person. He's always wanted to stay and he has made an effort to adapt to the new wage structure at Barcelona."
Dembele enjoyed a productive 2021-22 campaign despite some injury troubles, scoring twice and providing 13 assists in 32 appearances in all competitions.
Meanwhile, he has scored 32 goals and registered 34 assists in 149 appearances for the Catalan giants since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in a big-money deal in August 2017.
Barcelona opened their preparations for the new campaign with a 1-1 draw against Olot on Wednesday and will take on Inter Miami, Real Madrid, Juventus and New York Red Bulls in their next four pre-season friendlies.
