Chelsea youngster Charly Musonda admits he rejected Barcelona and Pep Guardiola in favour of his current club. The midfielder had a chance to join the Catalans after having taken a tour of the La Masia academy as well as speaking personally to Guardiola himself.
But the 19-year-old said why he made the decision in an interview with Marca. “It is true that I rejected Barcelona because Chelsea also agreed to sign my brothers. At the time, it was very important for the family that we all joined the same club. We wanted to stick together.”
Not many players would have turned down the opportunity to play for one of the best teams in the world but the teenager had other priorities. ”Barcelona are among the best in the world, but it was important for me to have my family with me.”
He got the chance to see Barcelona's famous academy that has produced the likes of Gerard Pique, Xavi Hernandez and Cesc Fabregas and had a chat with Pep Guardiola who was the coach at that time. “Visiting La Masia was very impressive. It was a great experience that motivated me to keep working very hard. I was introduced to Pep Guardiola. It was a great visit.”
Musonda talks about his footballing idols
The youngster had several footballing heroes growing up and one of them is a former Manchester United star. “I really liked Cristiano Ronaldo back at Manchester United when I was young. He was an idol for me. But I am now doing my own thing and enjoying himself.”
But the Real Madrid forward is not the only player he tries to learn from. “Of course, I also look at other players to improve my own game. I enjoy watching players who are enjoying themselves on the pitch, like Neymar and Lionel Messi. I can identify myself with players like them.”
Musonda is currently on loan at Real Betis and has impressed during his time in Spain. But he gave an interesting reply when he was asked who his favourite player in the league was. “My favourite in La Liga? Me. I like the way I play.”
Chelsea held by West Ham
Chelsea rescued a 2-2 draw with West Ham after Andy Carrol had given the Hammers the lead in the second half. Fabregas scored both goals for the hosts once in each half. Lanzini gave West Ham the lead on 17 minutes, but Fabregas equalised just before half-time with a wonderful free kick.
Carrol came on as a substitute in the second half and looked to have got the winning goal like he did at Upton Park earlier in the season but Fabregas came to Chelsea’s aid once again after converting a late penalty to earn a draw.
