Jules Kounde has confirmed that he had the chance to join Chelsea from Sevilla this summer but decided to move to Barcelona due to their "ambitious project".
Chelsea were believed to be on the verge of signing the Frenchman last month before Barcelona swooped in at the final moment to bring him to Camp Nou.
Kounde has said that the Blues were a genuine possibility for him this summer, but he found it impossible to turn down the chance to join the Catalan giants.
"I had the chance to go to Chelsea, but I chose Barcelona because they have an ambitious project. I waited for Barcelona's agreement with Sevilla," Kounde said at his official unveiling.
"I like playing in La Liga and having played here for a while will make it easier for me, but you have to adapt to Barcelona's style.
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"I am very happy and proud to come to this club, I am very grateful to the president, to the fans. They have shown me a lot of affection. All I have to do is train hard and win, of course. I will also try to speak Catalan in a few months."
Kounde has also explained the importance of Xavi in his switch to Camp Nou, with the centre-back claiming that he 'felt the affection' from the Barcelona head coach during discussions.
"I spoke with Xavi, the conversations were fluid. I felt his affection, he really wanted me to come, and this is important for me. He has asked me to do what I did at Sevilla, to bring the ball forward, to be aggressive," the 23-year-old added.
Kounde, who has signed a five-year contract at Camp Nou, could make his debut for the Catalan giants against Pumas in the Joan Gamper Trophy on August 7.
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Sevilla director Monchi told SFC Radio last week: "Last Thursday we had an agreement with Chelsea and the player. When everything was closed and there was a good offer, everything stopped. And that's where Barcelona appeared.
"The first time he contacted was last Monday, with Mateu [Alemany]. Barca made an effort and closed itself. Kounde was agreed to sell to Chelsea, there was an agreement with the player.
"At the club, they hesitated and said they wanted to wait. That wait was delayed and Barcelona appeared. It's true that Chelsea then wanted to come back, but Barca's offer in the end was better."
Kounde, who moved to Estadio Ramon from Bordeaux in July 2019, leaves Sevilla having made 133 appearances for the club in all competitions, contributing nine goals and three assists.
Last term, he was again an important player for Julen Lopetegui's side, making 44 appearances in all competitions, contributing three goals and one assist in the process.
Matt Law
