Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso says he had several offers when leaving Chelsea this summer.

However, he insists Barca were always his priority.

He told Mundo Deportivo: "The truth is that things came to me from other clubs and I didn't consider anything.

"I was calm because I was doing well at Chelsea, where I had been for many years and I felt loved and respected. I was looking forward to coming here but calmly because I was happy there and focused on the preseason at Chelsea."

Alonso also said of Gerard Pique's retirement, "It was very special and an honour for me to be able to share the centre of defense in his last match at the Camp Nou with a player I have been watching for so many years since I was a child.

"The atmosphere was very nice. I'm happy for him and I congratulate him on the career he's had. He can retire very calmly."