Pastore: I rejected Barcelona and Real Madrid

Javier Pastore has revealed he rejected offers from Barcelona and Real Madrid in order to remain at Palermo.

The Argentine midfielder spoke on numerous occasions of his love for Barcelona, but, nonetheless, rejected the Catalans as well as Real Madrid.

“Both Barcelona and Real Madrid contacted my agent, but I immediately refused those opportunities,” Pastore was quoted as saying in Argentine newspaper Ole.

“I know that most players would have accepted, but I feel I still have to progress at Palermo and I thank the club for helping me stay.

”I will go when I’m ready, not before, because first I have to play regularly and achieve my goals gradually.”