Former Barcelona defender opens up on turning down Real Madrid in the past: ‘Capello wanted me to join him’

Former Barcelona defender opens up on turning down Real Madrid in the past: ‘Capello wanted me to join him’ Former Barcelona defender Gianluca Zambrotta has revealed that he had the chance to join Real Madrid in 2006 but ultimately decided that Camp Nou was the right destination for the next chapter of his career. The Italian was regarded as one of the finest full-backs in world football at the time and became a sought-after player following Juventus’ involvement in the Calciopoli scandal.  While Real Madrid wanted to reunite him with Fabio Capello in the Spanish capital, the defender instead opted for a move to Barcelona. Zambrotta explains why he chose Barcelona over Real Madrid Speaking in an interview with AS , the former defender and a 2006 World Cup winner confirmed that Madrid made a serious attempt to sign him, with Capello eager to strengthen his squad at the Santiago Bernabéu. First, he explained how the Barcelona transfer opportunity came to light in 2006. “In the wake of the Calciopoli scandal, many of us were in the dark about the future. Juve, Milan… Nothing was certain.  Zambrotta rejected Real Madrid for Barcelona. (Photo by Bagu Blanco/Getty Images) “During the tournament in Germany, rumours were already circulating. In my case, the possibility arose of joining Barça, where Albertini had already been.  “He spoke very highly of the club to me. It all started thanks to him. You know that even today he still has a good relationship with Joan Laporta. This option came up alongside Thuram,” he revealed. Then, while reflecting on Capello’s wish to sign him for Real Madrid, Zambrotta said, “Yes. Fabio Capello – as well as Cannavaro and Emerson – wanted me to join him in Madrid. I chose Barça.” Asked about the reasons behind his decision, the Italian pointed towards Barcelona’s sporting project and the opportunity to experience competitions he had never played in before. Zambrotta spent two seasons with Barcelona. (Photo by Bagu Blanco/Getty Images). “The reason? Apart from being a top international club that had just won the Champions League… I don’t know, it gave me the chance to play in competitions I’d never played in before, such as the European Super Cup or the Club World Cup.  “I was 29. Those were my last chances,” he stated. Barcelona’s appeal proved stronger At the time, Barcelona were reigning Champions League winners and among the strongest sides in European football, making them an attractive destination for elite players. Meanwhile, Fabio Capello wanted Zambrotta at Real Madrid as part of a major rebuild that also saw players such as Fabio Cannavaro, Emerson, Gonzalo Higuain, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Fernando Gago, Marcelo and Mahamadou Diarra arrive. Despite the scale of Madrid’s recruitment drive, Gianluca Zambrotta rejected Real Madrid and chose Camp Nou instead.