Belhadj spurned Barca

Pompey left-back craves regular first-team football

Last updated: 5th February 2009  

Belhadj spurned Barca

Belhadj: Has impressed at Pompey

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Portsmouth defender Nadir Belhadj has revealed Barcelona made contact with him prior to his signing of a permanent deal at Fratton Park.

The talented left-back has proved a real success on the South Coast since arriving at the club on loan in the summer, with Pompey having secured his services long-term in the January transfer window.

While conceding he was attracted by a move to Camp Nou, he drew on his experience of frustration while being an understudy at Lyon before electing against a switch to Spain.

Belhadj spent much of his time with the French champions playing second fiddle to Fabio Grosso and it was a scenario he was keen to avoid at Barca.

No deal

"Barcelona? My agent was contacted during the winter transfer window," he told Aujourd'hui Sport.

"They wanted to prepare for the departure of Sylvinho and (Eric) Abidal was injured.

"It was very attractive, but I want to play. I don't want to experience a substitute situation again. I suffered at Lyon.

"It made me mad when Fabio Grosso was not good, but remained in the starting XI. I could do my best, but that didn't change anything."

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