"Why I Snubbed Barcelona!'

Las Palmas defender Mauricio Lemos has revealed he turned down a move to Barcelona due to concerns over lack of playing time.


The Catalan club attempted to lure the Uruguayan to the Camp Nou ahead of the 2016-17 campaign, but the centre-back says he never seriously considered a move.

"We are talking about one of the best clubs in the world. At the age of 20 and with the offer on the table, I would not have got much playing time," Mauricio Lemos was quoted as saying by Sport.

"I think staying at Las Palmas was the best option for me. Anything can happen in football. I am only thinking about Las Palmas right now and about having the best season possible.

"I always knew I wanted to stay. I just tried to be calm about it all. I am fine here and did not consider leaving.

"When I came here, I said that I wanted to take the time necessary to grow and develop. Las Palmas is the perfect place to keep on improving the areas where I need to get better."

The 20-year-old's contract with the Primera Division club runs until June 2021.