
Racing Santander attacker Pablo Torre has revealed he turned down a big money offer from Real Madrid to sign for Barcelona this summer.
The 19-year-old is widely sought after and is regarded as one of the most promising young talents in Spain.
Torre had a brilliant season where he helped Racing achieve promotion to La Liga 2, finishing with ten goals and ten assists apiece from 33 matches.
“It was fast. My representative told me, because he contacted (Barcelona sporting director) Mateu Alemany. I was focused with the National Team in Las Rozas and that’s when they told me that I had a video call with Xavi. He explained the project to me,” Torre told local journalist Adri Contreras.
“The treatment by him was good, as if I were his son. The truth is that it went very well. In addition, I have spoken with young people from Barça and they have told me that he also has a special approach with them.”
He added: “I spoke with Madrid but my dream was to play and hopefully succeed at Barça. Madrid offered more money, but for me the important thing was to play at the Camp Nou and the sports project. It was clear to me since they called the first time.”