Jonathan dos Santos has conceded that he had almost wrapped up a deal to join Real Sociedad, before Tata Martino arrived at Barcelona.
The Mexican midfielder was confirmed by La Real during the summer as the subject of a provisional agreement with Barca, until Tito Vilanova’s sudden resignation and Martino’s arrival in his place changed the situation.
Martino was seen as responsible for requesting Dos Santos stay and, on from making a first appearance of the season in Barca’s last League match, the 23-year-old believes he has made the right decision.
“El Tata is close to the players, he encourages the players, he has clear ideas and is doing a great job,” enthused Dos Santos to Esport Cope.
“I almost had both feet out of Barca, I had almost closed the deal to go to Real Sociedad, but in the end, with the arrival of Tata I stayed.
“The players emerge to prominence here at 24 or 25. I can play here, I have the conditions, but I have to work and learn from my peers.
“My dream is to succeed in the best team in the world. It is difficult to reach the first team and now I want to realise that dream.”
His older brother Giovani left Barca a few years ago and is now working with Villarreal.
“He has been doing great for the past two years. I believe that he erred in leaving here but it was his decision and he has no regrets.”
Dos Santos was asked for his view on Martino’s work with the Catalans this term, after comments made by Gerard Pique that the team were perhaps over-reliant on tiki-taka.
“Maybe we play more long balls, play more direct passes, but it is still with the dynamics of previous years. Pique’s words were misinterpreted.”
