Lamela: I rejected Barcelona

Roma midfielder Erik Lamela has revealed that he once rejected a chance to join Barcelona.

The 19-year-old Argentine arrived to Roma from River Plate in the summer, but he admits he could have joined Barcelona instead.

“They asked me over for a trial, but I opted to go and play in a youth tournament in Spain instead,” Lamela told La Repubblica.

“Barcelona came to watch me and told my dad that they wanted me to join them.

“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.”