Santiago Ramos Mingo says Barcelona youth chief Jose Maria Bakero was key to his move to the Nou Camp.

The former Boca Juniors defender signed for Barca last month in a move which has angered the Argentine giants.

Ramos Mingo recalled to Mundo Deportivo: "We were playing against San Lorenzo. In fact, it all started with my brother Franco, who played on the same team as Bakero's son (Toronto). And my brother Franco said to him: 'Look at my brother, he plays well'.

"He came to see the Boca-San Lorenzo match and we talked a bit after the match. He told me that he was interested, that he worked for Barcelona.

"I had spoken to the previous leaders and once they left, I made the decision to leave. There was no option for the new management to speak to me. I rushed the decision."