Olmo's grandmother: Laporta once asked why Barcelona had not signed my grandson earlier

Marca revisited Olmo's hometown of Terrassa, where his family shared stories about his development.

The family recalled that Olmo's childhood was filled with training, travelling and sacrifices. His talent was evident from an early age, but the path was not easy. Through hard work, discipline and belief, he eventually left his comfort zone and moved to Croatia.

His grandmother Milagros recalled a moment when Olmo began to stand out at La Masia. During that match, a commentator warned while Olmo was playing for La Masia: "Don't rush to conclusions, everyone says a new Messi has arrived here." His parents then quietly said: "Watch out for that blond kid." The family now proudly repeats these words, which have become the first sign of what made Olmo different.

His brother Carlos offered another, more family-oriented and amusing perspective. He said that in the early years, whenever the two played football together, he was always the winner, but as Olmo grew older and his talent emerged, the situation completely changed. Carlos said: "The things Olmo knew were initially learned from me. The heel assist, I am certain I taught him that."

The family also remembers the day Olmo decided to leave Spain and join Dinamo Zagreb. He was only 16 at the time. At the airport, he told his mother: "Mum, I am going to Croatia because I want to make a living from football. I want to become a professional player." His mother replied: "Then why do you think we made all those sacrifices?"

That uncertain journey became the starting point of his transformation. In Croatia, he grew into a player, a leader and a professional.

Grandmother Milagros also recalled the day Juan-Laporta came to complete the signing. She said: "Laporta came and said to me: 'Why were we unable to sign him earlier?' I replied: 'Well, the day has finally arrived now.'"