Raphael Guerreiro says it was hard to turn down Barcelona and PSG
Portugal’s Raphael Guerreiro has revealed that he turned down interest from Barcelona and PSG, who were looking to snap up the young full-back after his impressive and confident showing for Portugal during the Euro's, adding to the brilliant season he had with Lorient in the French league last term.
Guerrero in a recent interview with Canal+ claimed he picked the German giants over PSG and Spanish giants Barcelona because he wanted consistent playing time.
Under Tuchel at Dortmund, Guerreiro has found regular playing time, impressing the manager and gaining a lot of interest from foreign clubs looking to acquire the services of the Portuguese full-back.
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“It was a very difficult decision to say no to Barcelona,” Guerreiro told Canal+.
“But there came a moment where I had to make a decision, and Borussia Dortmund's offer convinced me the most. I need to play regularly this season and get minutes under my belt to keep developing. And I have been fortunate that things have been going very well for me in Germany.”
The full-back was monitored by top clubs in Europe, keen to acquire the young player's services but the French-born defender chose German club Borussia Dortmund as his destination to play football and develop his career.
The player was confident of earning a place in Portugal’s European quest and decided to stay with former club Lorient FC despite receiving an offer from PSG before the summer of Euro 2016.
Guerreiro claimed he was confused but realised regular playing time was what was needed and not a change of scenery. He helped guide Lorient to a 15th place finish in the Ligue 1, avoiding the dreaded drop.
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The Portuguese Euro 2016 winner rejected PSG, stayed at Lorient and claimed his spot for Portugal in the Euro’s, playing the whole 120 minute in the final.
“I received an offer from PSG last year, but I decided to stay at Lorient,” said Guerreiro.
“I wanted to play as much as possible before the Euros. It was a crucial decision because it allowed me to be part of the Portugal squad that won Euro 2016. I am very grateful for Barcelona and PSG's interest.”
The 22-year-old has made 5 appearances for Dortmund this season and has already got on the scoresheet twice.
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