As featured on NewsNow: Football news

PSG signing Gini Wijnaldum: I really thought I'd be joining Barcelona

PSG signing Gini Wijnaldum admits he was speaking with Barcelona for a month before choosing a move to Paris.

Barcelona had been strong favourites to sign the departing Liverpool midfielder having twice met with the player's agents to discuss a three-year deal. Wijnaldum, though, revealed he couldn't reach an agreement with the Catalans despite almost a month of talks.

"It was a difficult choice," said Wijnaldum, speaking on Saturday at a press conference ahead of Holland's opening Euro 2020 game against Ukraine in Amsterdam on Sunday.

"I actually negotiated with Barcelona for four weeks and we didn't get it.

"PSG was more decisive and the project they have there really appealed to me.

"Yes, I admit I'm going to make more money in Paris, but my choice has nothing to do with the money.

"I have to say that I also thought I would go to Barca, the only club I'd been interested in for a long time."

Video of the day:

About the author

Paul Vegas

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free