Kevin Gameiro has revealed he turned down Barcelona in favour of joining Atletico Madrid - and cited a lack of game time as a major reason as to why he made the decision, according to a report inGoal.
The striker stated that he did not believe that he would feature for the La Liga champions regularly, with South American trio Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar all standing between him and a potential starting berth at the Camp Nou.
Gameiro was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona before he completed a reported £27.5m summer switch from Sevilla to Atletico, but the 29-year-old opted to move to the Vicente Calderon over a move to the Catalan giants.
Atletico Madrid star Kevin Gameiro reveals how close he was to joining Barcelona https://t.co/4uAUbzX7wf pic.twitter.com/bu9l0E3HTz
In an interview with Spanish radio stationCadena Cope, Gameiro revealed how close he was to joining Luis Enrique's side.
He said: "There was the possibility of going to Barcelona, but in my head it was clear I wanted to go to Atletico.
"When Atleti contacted me, it was clear."
Atletico had been rumoured to be looking into the possibility of bringing Chelsea forward Diego Costa back home before they made the move to sign Gameiro.
The France international stated that Atletico head coach Diego Simeone had contacted him to make him aware that they were chasing the Spain striker as well as Gameiro himself.
However, Costa chose toremainat Stamford Bridge - a move that led to the ex-PSG striker joining Atletico - and Gameiro added that his sole focus now was on helping Atletico to compete for honours at the highest level.
Gameiro added: "El Cholo [coach Diego Simeone] phoned me and told me he wanted Diego Costa, but it was very difficult and I was the other option.
"Now I'm in Madrid and that's the main thing."
Gameiro has registered two goals in six appearances for Atletico so far this term, helping his new side up to third place in the embryonic La Liga standings.
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