Cristhian Stuani Reveals He Turned Down Transfer to Barcelona in January
Girona striker Cristhian Stuani has admitted he was approached by Barcelona in the January transfer window, but was happy to stay and fight with his current side in their current relegation battle.
La Blaugrana made no bones about chasing several strike force backups to Luis Suarez throughout the window, eventually landing on Sassuolo's Kevin-Prince Boateng, after creating an extensive shortlist.
One of the mooted names on this list was Stuani, and speaking to RAC 1, as quoted by Marca, the Uruguayan finally confirmed the speculation, stating: "Yes, there was interest from Barcelona. It is an honour that a team as big as Barcelonathought about me but I am also happy with renewing with Girona."
The former Middlesbroughmarksman extended his contract at the start of February which is set to keep him with the La Liga side until 2022, and was keen to stress his loyalty to the team.
He declared: "I would not leave on a free in the event of being relegated. I am convinced that we will stay up but, I insist, I will not leave on a free if Girona go down."
The Spanish side, who have been under the umbrella of the City Football Group, a component of Manchester City's global portfolio, since August 2017, right after their inaugural promotion to Spain's premier division after 87 years of existence.
After an impressive 10th place finish in that first season, Girona have had a more testing sophomore campaign, currently sitting in 15th position, just five points clear of the relegation zone.
But the 32-year-old maintained: "We have total confidence in the manager. He is doing a great job at Girona."
Contrastingly, his former suitors Barca are top the standings by seven points, as they look to retain their title.
