Dani Olmo was in Barcelona’s youth team but left at 16 and has matured into one of the most coveted young playmakers in Europe
“They told me I was crazy,” admitted Miquel Olmo, who played for and later managed various clubs in Spain. “I was a coach in the Spanish second division and they massacred me for it, saying I was ruining my son’s career. Leaving
Barcelona was not easy, especially if you were the captain, and he was also playing for the national team. It was the most difficult decision in his life.”
It is now more than five years since his son Daniel - known as Dani – left the famed La Masia to join Dinamo Zagreb. He was not lured by big money or big promises. Barely 16, a top prospect and team captain in his generation, he was closely followed by other elite European clubs – reportedly
Manchester United and
Manchester City were particularly interested in snatching the youngster away from the Camp Nou — but the Olmo family sought an option they thought would be best for Dani’s development.