Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva has revealed that it was hard to turn down the advances of Barcelona over the past two summers.
The 28-year-old moved to the French capital last year as speculation heavily linked him with a switch to the Camp Nou, and the Spanish side were rumoured to be weighing up another bid during the last window.
Silva said that he has followed the Blaugrana since he was a boy, although he added that he is currently happy in the French capital.
"It was a difficult decision to say no twice to Barcelona," he told The Guardian. "It was never a secret that I have admired them since I was a kid and that I always wished I could play for Barcelona, but life is made of hard decisions that sometimes go against what you dream of.
"I heard people saying I was just thinking of the money, but they forget we have families to feed. Why would I accept to earn less money to play for Barcelona? Why are players the ones supposed to sacrifice themselves? Besides, PSG offered me also an opportunity for a new challenge and the club are trailing the right path.
"I am happy in Paris. It was not the case when I arrived last year, because it was very different from Milan. My family is much more settled too, which helps. I am also in a position where I'm important for the club not only on the pitch."
Silva has won 39 caps for Brazil.
Michael Penkman
