Sarr chooses Rennes over Barcelona

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Former Metz winger Ismaila Sarr turned down the chance to join Barcelona and instead signed a four-year contract with Rennes.

Rennes have announced the signing of Ismaila Sarr from Ligue 1 rivals Metz after the 19-year-old winger turned down the chance to join Barcelona.

The Senegal international has joined Christian Gourcuff's side on a four-year contract, saying the opportunity to move to Camp Nou came too early in his career.

The transfer comes just a year after Sarr's arrival in Metz, but he said he was looking forward to developing his game under Gourcuff.

Sarr told the club's official website: "It's my pleasure to sign for Rennes. The adventure at Rennes will soon begin for me, and I already feel red and black.

"I left Senegal a year ago to join Metz, and I left my family there. I had to adapt to a new environment.

"Today I am happy, my parents are proud of me. I am grateful for every day that I get the chance to make my passion my profession."

Rennes faced competition from a number of clubs hoping to sign Sarr, including last season's LaLiga runners-up Barcelona.

Sarr explained his decision to stay in Ligue 1, saying: "Rennes is the club that can help me to progress.  I still have to develop defensively and become more decisive in my approach to the goal. With Christian Gourcuff, I am convinced that I will succeed.

"I resumed training with Metz thinking I would stay there and continue to progress. I had the opportunity to join Rennes and I am very proud to have done so.

"For me, leaving Metz to join Barcelona was too early."