Jonathan dos Santos has made clear that he does not regret his year in the shadows at Barcelona and has made clear he does not want to leave.
The Mexican midfielder has turned down offers to leave the Camp Nou in consecutive transfer windows in favour of staying and fighting for first-team football at Barca.
Despite being told by club officials that he would see limited time, Dos Santos does not see the result so far of one start managed all season as a wasted year.
“I stood by the challenge of fighting for a spot and I still hope to achieve that,” the 22-year-old told RAC1 this week.
“I knew I would have few minutes, because I was told that, but I did not expect so few.
“This has not been a lost year, I am at the best school, learning from the best players in the world and this has helped me more than if I had been at another club, as has happened with others who have transferred but not done well.
“The offer from Sevilla? I found it difficult to say no to Michel, but my idea was to succeed at Barca. I thanked him.
“I have had a hard time trying to get into the team. I have a three year contract and I intend to fulfil it. I am not going to give up.”
Dos Santos was asked of his omission from the latest Mexico squad and if he regretted missing their Olympics win in London last summer to work with Barca in pre-season.
“No call up to Mexico? It is difficult to be seen unless you are playing for your team.
“My dream last summer was to stay at Barca and in pre-season that is when everything is decided.”
