The 25-year-old England winger spoke in Spanish at his presentation at the Spotify Camp Nou, explaining he had learned the language specifically in anticipation of this moment.
"I was excited to play for Barca since I was three years of age," Gordon said. "I wanted to speak Spanish because, as a kid, I believed I would play football for Barca, believe it or not. I have a physio in Newcastle and we spoke every day and I told him, 'One day I'll play for Barca, so I want to learn Spanish.'"
Gordon completed his medical on Thursday but his formal presentation was delayed until 8.16pm local time on Friday due to outstanding legal paperwork. He was composed throughout the wait.
"Very, very excited, though it was kind of hard to wait. I knew it would happen. I have been very calm at the hotel with my family and agents. It's stuff I don't understand — legal things and very small details. All my part was done, I was ready."
He spoke about his desire to establish himself among Barcelona's storied history of attacking talent.
"I am very conscious of the history of this club and the incredible players who have worn this shirt. I'm ready for this challenge. There is a burning fire in my belly to win here."
Gordon spent three and a half years at Newcastle United after joining from Everton for £45 million in January 2023, making 152 appearances and finishing as the club's top scorer in the most recent campaign with 17 goals across all competitions — including 10 in the Champions League. He was left on the bench for the final four Premier League fixtures of the season by manager Eddie Howe.
Howe acknowledged the departure directly: "While we're disappointed to lose Anthony, we understand that this is a big opportunity for him. He leaves with our best wishes, and I am confident that he will go on to be a success."
Gordon will join the England squad's travel to the United States on Monday for their pre-World Cup training camp. He joins compatriot Marcus Rashford at Barcelona, though the Spanish champions have not yet confirmed they will trigger an option to make Rashford's loan permanent for £26 million.
Everton retain a 15 percent sell-on clause from Gordon's original departure, meaning the Merseyside club will receive a significant payment as a result of the deal.