Mauricio Pochettino has explained he could never be Barcelona Coach due to his connections with Catalan rivals Espanyol.
The 45-year-old managed Los Periquitos between 2009 and 2012 while he also spent six seasons playing with the club, meaning his ‘loyalty’ would rule out a role at the Camp Nou.
"It was true [that he and Bartomeu had met]. It was a coincidence in a bar in Barcelona,” the Tottenham boss told a news conference.
"I've known him for a long time, since before he became the chairman of Barcelona. Many people saw us but we spent five minutes together. That was the reality.
"The rumours afterwards are impossible to stop, but I am an Espanyol supporter.
"If Daniel Levy sacked me in a few years, it would be impossible for me to manage Arsenal.
"In football I know it is difficult to keep value and be loyal with heart and emotion. But for me, as a manager and as a player, to be loyal is important.
"I am an Espanyol fan, I love Espanyol. For me, it is the same as Tottenham. It would be impossible for me to move to Arsenal."