Former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has revealed that he was twice approached to join Real Madrid, in an interview with TV3. Puyol is a legendary figure for Barça, having served as captain for the longest time anyone ever has (2004-14), so it would have been quite a shock had he agreed the move.
“Two times they wanted to sign me, but I already was in the best club in the world, and I wanted to win titles with Barça, and that’s why I stayed,” the former defender said.
He says the first time los blancos approached him was in 2001, after Puyol played against Luís Figo in Real Madrid colors for the first time since his transfer from Barcelona in 2000.