Sandro Rosell has revealed that Milan forward Mario Balotelli attempted on more than one occasion to sign for Barcelona.
The Barcelona President was speaking ahead of his team’s Champions League Last 16 first leg clash against Balotelli’s current side Milan.
“I am not at all relaxed ahead of this evening, as playing against Milan is always difficult,” Rosell reflected to Sky Sport Italia this evening.
“The Rossoneri have an important history, while we have an excellent rapport with their directors. I think nothing will be decided tonight, as it will all go down to the Camp Nou game.”
Balotelli is absent for the home team, having already played in the competition for Manchester City earlier this season.
“I don’t know if his absence is a good thing for us, as it depends on who takes his place.
“Balotelli tried to join us many times at Barcelona and I don’t know if he’d play well against a team he tried to join for many years. I compliment Milan on having signed him.”
The Italian had an unsuccessful trial with the Catalan side in 2005 when aged 15.”
Rosell was asked of Milan’s Stephan El Shaarawy, who has pulled in interest from across Europe for recent performances.
“I couldn’t say if Barcelona liked him, but on a personal level I certainly do. However, that does not mean we want to sign him, because negotiating with Adriano Galliani and Umberto Gandini is very complicated.”
