Speaking to Cadena SER, the young defender says Barca tried to tempt him away from Espanyol as a youth teamer.
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He revealed, "Yes, it's true that I had an offer from Barça before coming to the Espanyol youth academy and then in the cadets before moving to the youth team.
"But both times, the truth is, I didn't even think about it."
"My heart is perico. 100x100.... 1000x1000."
El Hilali, who has a contract with Espanyol until 2027, added, "If Espanyol offers me a lifetime contract, I will stay here forever."