Sergi Samper has admitted he is disappointed to have left Barcelona on loan after his temporary move to Las Palmas.

The 22-year-old joined Los Amarillos on a season-long loan deal, after spending last season at Granada, but would rather have remained at the Camp Nou to fight for his place.

“My preference was to remain at Barcelona,” Samper told RAC1.

“I put in a lot of hard work over the summer, I was in good physical shape and I enjoyed a good pre-season.

“I had hoped of staying because there are no natural backups in Busquets' midfield position.

“Valverde told me that I was in his plans but there was a problem with the squad size which left things in the air.

“It is not easy to leave when you've tried so hard on remaining at the club of your life – this time it wasn't as tough, but it's always difficult to leave Barca.

“It's difficult not to get that opportunity, but you have to accept it.”

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