New Roma signing Erik Lamela has revealed that he was once offered a deal by Spanish giants Barcelona.
The 19-year-old joined the Giallorossi in the summer from River Plate in a move that could eventually cost the Italian club almost €20m.
New Roma signing Erik Lamela has revealed that he was once offered a deal by Spanish giants Barcelona.
The 19-year-old joined the Giallorossi in the summer from River Plate in a move that could eventually cost the Italian club almost €20m.
However, the Argentine attacking midfielder has told La Repubblica that he’s now only in Rome after previously rejecting a switch to Spain.
“They asked me over for a trial, but I opted to go and play in a youth tournament in Spain instead,” he stated.
“Barcelona came to watch me and told my dad that they wanted me to join them,” continued the South American.
“However, I was just too young to experience what I am experiencing now. It was complicated and we didn’t think it was right.
“Therefore I decided to stay in the youth ranks at River Plate and my father went back to work in the bakery.”
Lamela, who arrived at the club injured, has scored one goal in four Serie A appearances for Luis Enrique’s side so far.