Real Madrid midfielder Marco Asensio, the Bernabeu's newest star, has revealed that he actually had the chance to join Barcelona when he was still a teenager at Mallorca, but he would never even consider playing for the Catalans now.
"I had chances to go to Barcelona and other teams, but I came to Madrid. I couldn't wear the Barcelona shirt now," the 20-year-old rising star explained to Cadena Ser (via Goal.com).
Having spent the last two season on loan, first back with Mallorca and later Espanyol, Asensio has made quite an impact in his debut year with the Real first-team after an impressive pre-season as well as goals in the UEFA Super Cup and opening day of La Liga.
But while he wouldn't dream of pulling on a Barcelona shirt, Asensio says he couldn't actually choose a winner between the white of Real and the red of the Spanish national team.
"I like both, they're the best," he explained.
Asensio is currently with the Spain squad ahead of the upcoming international friendly against Belgium and the World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein - the youngest member of Julen Lopetgui's 24-man squad for the two games.
He made his debut at the end of last season after being named in the provisional Euro 2016 squad, but was ultimately cut from the group before the tournament began.
"I'm there to help and it's the coaches decision if he chooses me before others," the player said of his chances of getting on the pitch for La Roja this week.
"My aspiration is to be a starter, but there are important players who have spent many years at the club. I feel comfortable in the playmaker role, but I can play on the left, on the right and even pivot."