France international Kevin Gameiro insists he could have joined Barcelona before opting for Atletico Madrid.
Gameiro, 29, was heavily linked with a move to the LaLiga champions prior to joining Atletico from Sevilla in a deal reportedly worth €32million.
"There was the possibility of going to Barcelona," Gameiro told Cadena COPE.
"But in my head it was clear I wanted to go to Atletico. When Atleti contacted me, it was clear."
"El Cholo [coach Diego Simeone] phoned me and told me he wanted Diego Costa, but it was very difficult and I was the other option," Gameiro said.
He added: "Now I'm in Madrid and that's the main thing."
Atletico are unbeaten to start their LaLiga campaign, sitting third in the table – two points behind leaders and city rivals Real Madrid.
