10 Players Who Rejected Barcelona
7. Koke
The last time Koke's boyhood club had finished top of the pile in Spain, the diminutive playmaker was just four years old. Not only did Athletico Madrid achieve that feat last season, but they also came within a few seconds of turning over cross-city counterparts Real Madrid in the Champions League final. This is truly a golden moment to be associated with Los Colchoneros.
''The truth is that part of me said it was difficult to say no to Barca but I wanted to continue at home for many years at Athletico. It wasnt time to leave. This is my home, where I feel wanted and the club didnt want to sell. How was I going to leave at the best time for Athletico. Its not easy to say no to Barca and their interest was appreciated. It means the work Ive done has paid off. But Im at home here. - Koke, August 2014.
Barcelona instead turned their attention to Sevilla playmaker Ivan Rakitic, leaving Koke with the unenviable task of leading a depleted Athletico squad to yet another unprecedented league title.
''You must be thankful for the interest from Barcelona and other teams, but I am happy because I wanted to stay here. I have been here all my life and it was not the moment to leave - we are winning everything, the club is improving as players. Why would I want to leave at the best moment for Athletico Madrid? - Koke, October 2014.