The former Liverpool man asserts a more lucrative contract offer wasn’t the sole factor that prompted him to change his mind at the eleventh hour.
Georginio Wijnaldum justifies his decision to choose Paris Saint-Germain over Barcelona saying the former were faster in negotiations and that he was convinced by their project.
After a successful five-year stint at Liverpool, Wijnaldum decided it was time for a new chapter in his career as he opted against renewing his contract at Anfield.
Initially, the Dutchman looked destined to move to Barcelona and join forces with his compatriot and former national team boss Ronald Koeman. However, PSG swooped in late and secured the services of the midfielder on a free transfer.
It has been reported the Parisian club offered him a far more generous salary than the Spanish giants – almost double, if rumors are to be believed.
“I see that the media only talks about the salary, but it’s not true,” Wijnaldum explained, as Catalunya Radio reports.
“PSG were simply quicker. They explained their project to me and I liked it. I felt appreciated.
“I admit that at PSG I will make more money, but that is not the only reason.
“When the league ended, Barca came up with a very specific and serious proposal. I thought I would go there, I always thought so. My agents went there a few times, they met several times with representatives of the club. We negotiated for four weeks. It was a difficult decision.
“I am very relieved to have decided before the start of the European Championship. “
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