Jules Kounde has detailed the role Xavi played in bringing the defender to Barcelona from Sevilla, describing how important it was the coach was pushing for the deal.
The 23-year-old was long courted by Premier League outfit Chelsea, who were widely reported to be set to secure a deal before Barcelona moved to hijack the agreement.
It was the second time in the window a late Barca move had frustrated the English side, with the Blaugrana beating them to the signature of Raphinha from Leeds United, while they also signed Andreas Christensen on a free transfer from the Blues.
For Kounde, though, the key to his decision was the conversations he had with Xavi.
I had some good conversations with Xavi, he always expressed desire for me to come here, and tha…