Barcelona were reportedly one of a number of clubs interested in Stephan El Shaarawy before his move to Milan.
The 20-year-old joined the Rossoneri in June 2011 from Genoa, after catching the eye with appearances in 2010-11 whilst on loan at Padova in Serie B.
Since earning a regular spot with Milan and receiving his first call-ups to the Italian national squad, the forward has gained interest.
Last week Barcelona President Sandro Rosell commented before the Catalans’ first leg Champions League Last 16 meeting with the Italians that he personally liked him.
Following on from that, El Shaarawy’s agent has revealed that that admiration stretched as far as real interest in signing the player back in 2011, before Milan took him.
“There were many clubs after him,” Roberto La Florio told reporters today.
“Inter wanted him, and also several English clubs and, if I remember correctly, also Barcelona.
“Milan came in early.”
