Martin Montoya has revealed his sadness over learning from Barcelona coach Luis Enrique that he was surplus to requirements.
The 24-year-old defender is on the brink of joining Inter Milan after his agent confirmed that a two-year loan deal was in the offing recently.
Montoya, who joined the club at the age of eight before coming through the Catalans' famed La Masia academy, says that he is disappointed to be leaving, but hopes to return to Camp Nou a better player.
"I'm sad. Luis Enrique told me he didn't count on me," he is quoted as saying by Mundo Deportivo.
"I wanted to go in January but they wouldn't let me because of the sanction on transfers. It was very clear to me I had to go when they renewed [right-back Dani] Alves and signed Aleix Vidal.
"It's like an assignment for two years. I hope to return."
Montoya made only 12 appearances in the Blaugrana's treble-winning season last term.
Shane Callaghan
