Belhadj reveals that he turned down Barcelona to stay at Portsmouth

Portsmouth defender Nadir Belhadj has revealed that he turned down the opportunity to sign for Barcelona during the January transfer window.

• The Algerian international arrived at Fratton Park on loan at the start of the season, and was contacted about a move to the New Camp last month.
• However, he instead opted to complete a permanent deal at Fratton Park in the hope of playing first team football on a more regular basis.
• ‘Barcelona? My agent was contacted during the winter transfer window,’ the 26-year-old told Aujourd’hui Sport.
• ‘They wanted to prepare for the departure of Sylvinho and (Eric) Abidal was injured.
• ‘It was very attractive, but I want to play. I don’t want to experience a substitute situation again. I suffered at Lyon.
• ‘It made me mad when Fabio Grosso was not good, but remained in the starting XI. I could do my best, but that didn’t change anything.’