David Ginola has revealed that twice he held talks with Barcelona about a possible transfer to them during his playing days.
The attacking Frenchman had spells in his career with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, but has told AS this week that Barca could have also been in that list.
“Cruyff did want to sign me in 1995. He called me one day and we met in Sitges,” remembered the 46-year-old in an interview published today.
“There he explained the project that he had. But, Barcelona already had many foreign players in their team. That year they had signed Hagi, Popescu, Prosinecki, Figo…
“There was a second time, with Bobby Robson. I also got to talk to him, but eventually Kevin Keegan pleaded with me not to leave Newcastle, where I was treated well. I was at my best.
“Do I regret not signing with them? Barca have always been one of the best in Europe and yes you could say that it has been a thorn in my career.”
Barca play Ginola’s former side PSG in the Champions League quarter-final first leg this Tuesday evening and the Frenchman only sees one side as likely to win.
“Barca. It’s nice to see them play. They have a list of values on the field that are available to very few. They have luxury in the field and transmit it to the fans. I admire not only their game, I look at that.”
