Former Manchester United man Memphis Depay has revealed why his proposed summer transfer to Barcelona fell through.
The Lyon forward agreed personal terms with the Spanish outfit but a deal was not reached between the two clubs before Monday's transfer deadline.
“It was pretty close," the 26-year-old said. “We don’t need to go into all the details but there were certain rules that prevented it, unfortunately. But I believe everything happens for a reason. I now focus on Lyon and want to be important there again."
Depay has not given up hope of a future move to Barcelona, now managed by fellow Dutchman Ronald Koeman.
“We’ll see how things are going again afterwards," he added. "If I do my thing, the interest may still be there. I just have to switch that switch now.”
Depay left United for Lyon in 2017, having only managed seven goals in 53 games for the Reds, but has flourished in France, scoring 58 times and notching 43 assists in 144 appearances for his current club.
After Depay's move to Barca collapsed, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said: “Today, he (Depay) is disappointed, but not towards Lyon, more towards Barcelona.
“He is going to do everything he can to find himself in a position where he moves there in January. I have not abandoned the idea of extending (his) contract but as he has always said no, it looks difficult to do.”
Depay's Lyon contract expires next summer and he will be free to negotiate a free summer transfer to Barcelona in January, should the Catalan club's interest remain.
