Italian attacker Sebastian Giovinco has revealed that he turned down a loan move to Barcelona last season because he did not want to be a "ball boy" for their attackers.
The former Juventus frontman joined Toronto FC in 2015, and had the chance of a short-term loan deal during Major League Soccer's off-season period.
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However, the 29-year-old had no interest in being a back-up to Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez at Camp Nou.
"It's true, in the past there was interest from Barcelona, but I'd have been a ball boy there. With those three stars in attack, I wouldn't play at all," Giovinco told Sky Sports Italia .
"I wasn't interested because I wanted to play. Neymar, Leo Messi and Luis Suarez would've played even with one leg and still made the difference, so there was no point in me being there."
This year, Giovinco has been linked with a possible move to the Chinese Super League. The 23-time Italy international admits that the speculation interests him, but for the moment, he is happy with Toronto.
"The market is really hotting up over there. They told me there is interest, so we'll talk it over with Toronto and see. I am happy here, but we'll see what the club wants to do," he continued.
"My agent told me there is an offer, but did not tell me which club. I certainly don't miss Italy, as I am happy in Canada and have no intention of returning.
"Since I left Juventus, which remains the strongest team in Italy, I never thought about playing for another Italian club. I'm just not thinking about it.
"What still stings is losing the MLS Final last season."