Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva has admitted it was ‘difficult’ turning down Barcelona’s advances.
The Brazilian centre-back has been courted by the Blaugrana for the past two summers, but has remained in the French capital.
And in an interview with The Guardian, the 28-year-old has conceded that he rejected the Camp Nou club for financial reasons.
“It was a difficult decision to say no twice to Barcelona,” he told the paper.
“It was never a secret that I have admired them since I was a kid and that I always wished I could play for Barcelona. But life is made of hard decisions that sometimes go against what you dream of. I heard people saying I was just thinking of the money, but they forget we have families to feed.
“Why would I accept to earn less money to play for Barcelona? Why are players the ones supposed to sacrifice themselves? Besides, PSG offered me also an opportunity for a new challenge and the club are trailing the right path.
“I am happy in Paris. It was not the case when I arrived last year, because it was very different from Milan. My family is much more settled too, which helps. I am also in a position where I'm important for the club not only on the pitch.
“If anything, the French also seem a bit calmer than the Italians in situations like these.”
