An African star, who has claimed he was in advanced negotiations over a move to Spanish giants FC Barcelona during the off-season, has now explained why he thinks the deal never materialised.
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The Blaugrana were in the market for a right back before the start of the current campaign, and it was rumoured that Ivory Coast international Serge Aurier was the club's first choice until Nelson Semedo came along.
The Ivorian believes his "bad boy" status scared a few big clubs from attempting to secure his services in the latest transfe window.
"We will see what happens in my future. I think my reputation made four or five big European sides afraid," Aurier told Canal+.
"I was negotiating with Barcelona, very advanced negotiations. And Barcelona's people were not sure if I came here, things would be different."
Soon after the right back's interview with French television channel, the Spanish club denied claims they were in talks with the African star.
"We never sat down with the player or his representative, they wanted to sit down with us, but we never did anything," an FC Barcelona club spokesman said, as quoted by Sport.
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Aurier has since signed for Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur, and has already made eight appearances for his new club.
Do you think Aurier is good enough to play for one of Europe's elite sides in the future? Have your say in the comments section below.
