Andrés Palop rejected Barça offer because of Valdés
The former Sevilla keeper revealed that he rejected an offer from Barcelona and that he had the chance to rejoin Valencia in 2007.
Palop turned down Barça
Andrés Palop had the chance to join FC Barcelona, the former keeper told Onda Deportiva last night but playing second choice to Víctor Valdés wasn't entirely appealing which is why he turned them down. "I could have gone to Barça but that would have meant playing as Víctor Valdés' deputy, and there was no way I was going to accept that", he explained.
Palop left Valencia in 2005 to join Sevilla where he would enjoy the best years of his career. At Mestalla, he was second choice to Santi Cañizares and by the time he left, he'd had his fill of warming the bench.
Honours list
During his eight seasons with Sevilla, Palop played a key role in helping the Andalucians lift two UEFA Cups, two Copa del Reys and European and Spanish Supercups; he was also part of the Spain squad which was proclaimed European champions in 2008, although he never got to make his debut at full international level.
Palop also admitted that Valencia tried to lure him back in 2007, but "Sevilla decided not to let me leave". After receiving Palop's rejection, Barcelona brought in José Manuel Pinto from Celta, who spent six and a half seasons in the squad and was the team's keeper in the the Copa del Rey.