Jules Kounde was close to joining Chelsea this summer.
The French defender secured a move to Camp Nou this summer in a £55m deal even though Chelsea approached him first this transfer window.
Ex-manager Thomas Tuchel held discussions with the ex-Sevilla defender and explained his vision.
He was seen as a direct replacement to Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger but Kounde was swayed away by Xavi’s approach this summer.
‘First, I come to a huge club, which has known good times and which, lately, has had less,’ said Kounde.
‘I come to a project that I would not call reconstruction, because we already have a competitive team, but rather, being upturned.
‘I was interested in being part of this new wave, in search of titles, and to put Barça back where it has always been, among the best clubs.
‘Then there was the conversation with the coach. We talked about football, mainly. I felt a real confidence from him, that he had a real knowledge of myself, my game and my qualities.’
‘I spoke with Tuchel and I also felt that he wanted me to come but I simply preferred Xavi’s speech.’
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