"It's the most special day and I would say the happiest of my life. I hope for many more years at the club," Bernal said, expressing gratitude for Barcelona’s unwavering support during his recovery. "I was at rock bottom and it was a huge help to feel that confidence. It was very special for me and meant a lot to me and my family, and I owe it all to the club of my life."
Reflecting on this period, Bernal said: "It's been a very tough year. The worst part is at the beginning, when you can't get out of bed for the first month. You appreciate things you didn't realise before, but together, they all made it easier for me. My teammates, coaches, family, my physiotherapist Borja... and even Hansi Flick came to visit me. I'm very grateful to him."
"Now it's not important to play, but to get into rhythm, everything in its own time; it's a process. The best Marc Bernal will be revealed when it's time," he said.