Gavi has expressed deep appreciation for Hansi Flick following his return to the starting lineup for FC Barcelona after a lengthy injury absence.
Softfootball confirm In comments shared by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano on his X handle, the Spanish midfielder described Flick as a father figure and thanked him for the constant support during his recovery.
Gavi said:
“Hansi Flick is a father to me. I thank him and appreciate him so much. He told me: be the Gavi you always have been, go and compete like you always do. He has done everything for me every time that I have been injured. I hope he can stay for many years with us.
The emotional remarks came after Gavi made his long-awaited return to Barcelona’s starting lineup following around seven months out with a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The Spanish international suffered the knee ligament tear in August 2025 during a La Liga match. The injury required surgery and forced the midfielder to miss a significant portion of the season.
Barcelona later confirmed that the operation was successful but acknowledged that the midfielder would be sidelined for several months, a major setback for the club given Gavi’s importance to the team’s high-energy midfield and pressing style.
His return has been widely celebrated by Barcelona supporters, with many fans describing the comeback as a major boost for the team as they continue their campaign.