The Evening Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Luis Suarez has revealed he turned down interest from Real Madrid before joining Barcelona.
Suarez left Liverpool to join Barcelona for £75million last summer but claims he spoke to rivals Real Madrid about a move to the Bernabeu.
“Yes, I spoke to them but said 'later',” the 28-year-old told El Partido de las 12. “They wanted me, but my dream was here. When I heard the name 'Barcelona' I didn't hesitate. Honestly, I never imagined Barcelona would come in and had no doubts at all once they did.
“You never know what can happen in football but luckily I stuck around for Barca, which was what I wanted. It was the fulfilment of a dream I had had for so long.”
Suarez has also admitted he found it difficult settling at the Nou Camp after returning from his four-month ban for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.
“It wasn't that I had anxiety, but I felt like I had won a prize in a lottery and couldn't enjoy having fulfilled my dream," he said. "I felt like I had been invited to play rather but slowly that disappeared. Once I was alongside my peers I felt more comfortable."
