Ezequiel 'Pocho' Lavezzi has shared a remarkable anecdote from his post-retirement life, revealing that he once turned down an approach from FC Barcelona—while he was relaxing on a beach. The Argentine forward, who hung up his boots in 2020, disclosed that just weeks after announcing his retirement, he received an unexpected phone call from the Catalan club during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a candid interview, Lavezzi recounted how he was enjoying a day at the beach when his phone rang. On the other end was a representative informing him that Barcelona wanted him to come out of retirement and join their squad. Lavezzi’s answer was immediate and unequivocal: ‘ni en pedo,’ a colloquial Argentine phrase that translates roughly to ‘not a chance’ or ‘no way.’
Lavezzi’s career had been decorated with spells at Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain, and Hebei China Fortune, where he became one of the highest-paid players in the world. He earned 51 caps for Argentina, winning an Olympic gold medal in 2008 and finishing as a runner-up in the 2014 World Cup and three Copa Américas. Known for his pace, work rate, and technical ability, Lavezzi was a highly respected figure in European football. Yet, by 2020, at age 35, he had decided to call time on his playing days.
The summer of 2020 was an extraordinary period in football. The pandemic had disrupted seasons worldwide, with La Liga and other competitions resuming behind closed doors after a hiatus. Many clubs were grappling with financial uncertainty and squads stretched by a congested calendar. Barcelona, in particular, were in a state of flux, navigating a transitional phase under coach Quique Setién and dealing with the fallout from player unrest and boardroom turmoil.
Though Lavezzi had not played since his stint in China, his profile as a versatile attacker with top-level experience might have appealed to Barcelona as a low-cost, short-term option. The club was reportedly looking to reinforce its attacking depth, and a player of Lavezzi’s pedigree on a free transfer could have been an attractive gamble.
For a player to reject Barcelona is a rarity. The club’s stature, history, and global appeal mean that most footballers would leap at the chance to wear the Blaugrana shirt. Lavezzi’s blunt rebuff therefore stands out as a notable exception, highlighting not just his contentment with retirement but also the shifting circumstances around the club at that time.
Lavezzi’s use of the phrase ‘ni en pedo’ reflects his characteristic candour. It suggests that the idea of returning to the rigors of professional football, especially during a pandemic, held no appeal. Having earned substantial wealth and enduring a long career, Lavezzi appears to have prioritized his personal life and well-being over a last-minute comeback, even for a club of Barcelona’s magnitude.
The episode, while a minor blip in Barcelona’s history, offers a window into the club’s recruitment struggles during a chaotic period. Rejected by a retired player, the Catalan side would go on to sign players like Miralem Pjanić and Francisco Trincão that summer, while later offloading club icon Luis Suárez. The failed approach to Lavezzi underscores the challenges Barcelona faced in attracting and retaining talent amidst institutional chaos.
Since retiring, Lavezzi has largely stayed away from the spotlight, occasionally making headlines for his business ventures and personal life. His revelation adds an intriguing chapter to his story, cementing his image as a maverick who never lost his independent spirit—even when one of football’s superpowers came calling.
In the end, Lavezzi’s beach day will be remembered as the moment he told Barcelona ‘no.’ It's a testament to the Argentine’s personality and a rare tale in the annals of transfer lore. For Barcelona, it was a reminder that not even the most storied clubs can always get what they want. Based on reporting from Fútbol.
