Real Madrid star Isco reveals Barcelona tried to sign him this summer before penning new deal

Isco has confirmed that there were talks with La Liga rivals Barcelona during this summer’s transfer window.

The 25-year-old snubbed the Catalan club’s interest before renewing his contract with Real Madrid until June 2022.

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Isco was a summer target of Ernesto Valverde’s, but he did not even consider the Spanish switch – according to Spanish publication Marca.

He said: “There was contact but I never listened to it. My intention was always to succeed here in a team that had confidence in me, I want to consolidate my position as a starter and win many titles.

“Never [could I move to Barcelona], as I’ve always said, my idea was succeed in Madrid. It’s true that I’ve had bad times but it makes you taste the good ones better, I do not regret anything.”

After falling out of favour at the Bernabeu, the Spain international attracted a wide range of interest from a number of Europe’s giants

Although Isco’s playing time has not been always been consistent under the management of Zinedine Zidane, the player claims the manager has always supported him.

He said: “From the first day [Zidane] arrived, he told me he believed in me.

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“He showed me his confidence from the very first moment and I’ve been patient. In the end this is a team game and you must wait for your moment.”

Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham all indicated their interest in the attacking midfielder, but a deal did not materialise.

Instead of moving, the 25-year-old signed a new deal, which includes a staggering £634m buy-out clause.

Isco has featured in all three of Real’s league fixtures so far this season and was named in the side’s starting XI for Tuesday night’s Champions League victory against APOEL.

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