Southampton midfielder Oriol Romeu has suggested that he would reject a move to Barcelona due to the likely lack of game time, reports Goal.com.
What’s the word?
The 26-year-old developed as a youngster at the Barcelona academy but he struggled to secure a regular spot in the first team.
Eventually, the defence-minded player joined Chelsea in 2011 and then Southampton four years later.
Romeu’s current situation at St Mary’s is less than desirable as the coastal club are currently in the relegation zone, one point from safety.
Despite the predicament, it seems that the Spaniard would turn down a return to his former club.
The midfielder would have the opportunity to fight for La Liga titles and Champions League crowns, but instead he would rather play for a club where he gets regular minutes on the pitch.
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According to Goal.com, Romeu said:
“To go to a big club to be in the second tier [of players], I don’t know if I would accept it. I don’t enjoy [it], what I want is to play. I don’t think that at Barca I could have been a starting player, it’s like that and you have to be aware of the options that one has.”
Who could turn down Barcelona, though?
Most players, particularly those from Spain or South America would see playing for Barcelona or Real Madrid as the pinnacle.
Romeu is well aware of the Catalan giants having spent time at the club’s academy, but it seems that his priorities are different.
The midfielder’s comments will be welcomed by Southampton fans given the current turmoil on the pitch.
Romeu’s stance indicates that he has no intention of walking away from the coastal club, of which he has made 29 appearances for in all competitions so far this season.
