The 29-year-old recently revealed that he had the opportunity to join Barcelona in the summer, but chose Atletico Madrid.
After 8 great seasons in France with Strasbourg Lorient and PSG, Gameiro moved to Sevilla after the arrival of Edinson Cavani at the Parc de Princes in the summer of 2013. Following his €10 million transfer to Sevilla, he enjoyed 3 great seasons at the club, where he went on to score 68 goals and provide 16 assists in 141 appearances for the Andalusian side and win three consecutive Europa League titles.
This summer, he moved to Ateltico Madrid for a reported €32 million, which could rise to €40 million including add-ons. Atletico were desperate to bring in another big striker to the club after never truly being able to replace Diego Costa. Antoine Griezmann was their only proven goal scorer, while Fernando Torres only scored 12 goals last season in 44 appearances and only 6 prior to that.
Speaking to Cadena COPE, the Frenchman revealed he had the opportunity to sign for Barcelona in the summer. The Catalan giants’ search for backup strikers for Suarez, Messi and Neymar was no secret and a number of players were linked with a move to the Nou Camp before they eventually got Paco Alcacer from Valencia. As reported by Goal, Gameiro said, “There was the possibility of going to Barcelona. But in my head it was clear I wanted to go to Atletico. When Atleti contacted me, it was clear.”
He also went on to say that chances would be harder to come by with Messi, Neymar and Suarez in the team and that his style of play was better suited to that of Diego Simeone’s team. He said, “El Cholo [ Diego Simeone] phoned me and told me he wanted Diego Costa, but it was very difficult and I was the other option. Now I’m in Madrid and that’s the main thing.” So far in his debut season, Gameiro has made 7 appearances in all competitions and scored 2 goals and registered 2 assists.
