The star of Bayer Leverkusen Alejandro Grimaldo opened up about his decision to leave Barcelona in 2016.
Grimaldo played a crucial role in Bayer Leverkusen's first Bundesliga title this season with nine goals from his playmaking role.
However, the Spain international admitted his career was in danger of stagnating at Barcelona, despite being highly regarded in Catalonia.
Ahead of Euro 2024, Grimaldo is in the running to be Spain's starting left-back at the tournament, on the back of a superb club campaign.
The 28-year-old offered insight into his call to move away from Barcelona, and accept a move to join Benfica, before heading to Germany last summer.
“It was a forced decision, Barça did not count on me. I had six months left on my contract and there was the possibility of renewing my deal and moving into the first team,” according to an interview with Esquire.
“After 4 or 5 years in Barca B, I felt it was time to make that jump, but it didn't happen.
“I understood the position of the club, because at the time Jordi Alba was there and it was difficult to enter the first team, so I had the decision to leave.”
Grimaldo insists he has no ill will at Barcelona amid reports he could return to the club in the future.
Bayer Leverkusen's season is set for additional trophy loads in the coming weeks as they face a DfB Pokal final and a UEFA Europa League semi-final.
