Barcelona unveil Oriol Romeu as newest signing in the City of Angels

Romeu, chosen to fill the midfield void left by Sergio Busquets, who departed for Major League Soccer's Inter Miami, makes a triumphant return to the club where he began his illustrious career. Over the years, he has showcased his talent at prominent clubs like Chelsea, Valencia, Stuttgart, and Southampton.

"The emotions and sensations are truly delightful," Romeu shared with reporters during his introduction at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, where Barcelona are preparing for their pre-season tour.

"Having the chance to return home and continue my growth is an intense dream. It's one of the most exciting challenges of my career, and the opportunity comes at the perfect moment," added Romeu, whose signing was announced earlier in the week and will see him don the Barcelona jersey until 2026.

Romeu left Barcelona 12 years ago, partly because of the emergence of Sergio Busquets, who, though only slightly older than Romeu, quickly established himself as one of the finest playmakers in Spanish soccer, leaving a lasting impact.

"He is a player who has marked an era," Romeu praised Busquets, who came on as a second half substitute in his debut for Inter Miami alongside Lionel Messi later that Friday.

"He is the best '5' we have been able to witness for as long as I can remember, and arriving just after his farewell is a thrilling challenge that excites me," Romeu said.

Barcelona's coach, Xavi Hernandez, reportedly personally contacted Romeu to convey that he was the chosen one for the midfield position.

Despite financial constraints, Barcelona have managed to secure Romeu's services by paying Girona the full amount of his termination clause, estimated at $3.4 million, to ensure his return to the Camp Nou.

The 31-year-old footballer is Barcelona's third signing for the upcoming season, following German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and centre-back Inigo Martinez, who were released after fulfilling their commitments with Manchester City and Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona will kick off their US tour with a friendly against Juventus in Santa Clara, California, on Saturday, followed by a match against Arsenal in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The Catalan giants will face Real Madrid on July 29, and then on I August they will conclude the tour with a match against AC Milan in Las Vegas.