City loan ace Angelino was not tempted by Barcelona

ANGELINO has confirmed that Barcelona were interested in signing him this summer, but he rejected their approach to re-join RB Leipzig.

The City defender spent the second half of last season at the Bundesliga side as they reached the Champions League semifinals.

Angelino’s form from left wingback alerted Barcelona. However, the Spaniard instead opted to return to Leipzig for a seasonlong loan with an automatic purchase for 18m euro if he makes 12 appearances for them including five in the second half of the campaign.

“It’s great that one of the biggest clubs in the world wanted me,” Angelino said when asked about the Barcelona link.

“But in my head it was always clear: I want to stay with RB and not at another club - no matter who it was about. Leipzig suits me, the club’s high goals fascinate me. I’m just as hungry as the club.

“The coach is one of the main reasons for me. I was enthusiastic about his idea and the way he played from the start. We really have a great relationship with each other.

“He often told me that he wanted to keep me, that I was an important part of the team.

“As a player, it just makes you feel good when you are really needed.”

Angelino added: “We play like Manchester City. But I’ve made a lot of tactical improvements - especially my positional play. The entire coaching team has already helped me a lot. The aim is I keep the shape I was in last season. Then I can do my part to ensure we achieve great things.”