Barcelona playmaker Xavi Hernandez says he turned down a chance to sign with Spanish rival Real Madrid early in his career.
In an interview with Onda Cero radio, the Spain midfielder says he studied "an important offer" from Madrid during his youth academy days. Xavi considered the proposal as Barcelona's team "was set, Pep (Guardiola) was in that position, so it was a complicated moment." Xavi has spent his entire career Barcelona, helping to guide it to 13 major trophies since his debut in 1998.
The 30-year-old Xavi was shortlisted for FIFA's Ballon d'Or as player of the year after helping guide European champion Spain to a World Cup triumph last season.
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