The former junior coach of Ronald Araujo admits Barcelona didn't get a clear run at the Uruguayan.

Before moving to Boston River, Araujo played for Rentistas academy, where Sergio Cabrera was his coach and first tipped off Barca about his potential.

Cabrera told Radio Cataluyna: "(Barca sporting director) Ramon Planes is the alma mater of this topic. When I talk to him he tells me 'I'm not forgetting your word, this boy is a sponge'."

Indeed, Cabrera admits Planes considered signing Araujo for Getafe, where he was in charge at the time.

"(Real) Madrid was also behind Araujo," added Cabrera.

Cabrera is the father of the player Leandro Cabrera, who was signed by Planes for Getafe.