Seydou Keita: 'Tax issue made me leave Barcelona'

Former Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita has revealed that a snag in talks meant terms could not be agreed over a new Barcelona contract.

Keita this weekend agreed to join Chinese side Dalian Aerbin, but has claimed that only an issue over tax stopped him extending his Barcelona career.

"Right until the end, Barcelona and I tried to reach an agreement, but we didn't succeed. That's how it is. It was a tax problem," Keita told L'Equipe.

"I had a great time at Barca. I've loved the simplicity and humility of the club, the players. I'll never forget that."

Keita joined Barcelona in 2008 from Sevilla.