Marc Bartra has revealed he was planning on leaving Barcelona before the intervention of Carles Puyol.
Sport reports Bartra as admitting he was looking to leave La Blaugrana after growing disillusioned with a lack of playing time but the captain talked him out of it.
“A few months ago I had planned to leave but Puyol told me to stay, to be patient, and I would have my chances,” said Bartra, who recently signed a contract extension.
Bartra added that it wasn’t the first time Puyol stepped in to ensure he stayed at Barca, and said he had an offer from Real Madrid that could have proved highly lucrative.
“The first time I renewed in 2011, when everyone told me to leave and I was the one who wanted to stay, Puyol also spoke with me,” Bartra continued.
“He explained that when he renewed at the beginning he was always paid less than others but never said anything because he trusted himself.
“[Real Madrid Castilla] made me an offer to be the highest-paid player at the club, triple what I received from Barca.”
Bartra added that he now feels valued under Tata Martino even if he isn’t an automatic starter.
“When I have to play I have to be prepared,” Bartra noted.
“I have noticed Tata cares about me, and not only by his words.”
