Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita has revealed that he turned down offers from Juventus and Real Madrid before signing with Barcelona in 2008.

The Mali international has been a key member of Pep Guardiola’s side who have claimed three consecutive La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies.

Currently on international duty for the African Cup of Nations, Keita has told of how he could have ended up in Turin or Madrid.

"Barcelona had had three complicated years," Keita told L'Equipe.

 "Many people advised me not to sign for them.

"I had advanced contact with Real Madrid and Juventus and both those clubs were putting pressure to sign me and offered me more money.

"But I had given my word to [then Barca technical secretary] Txiki Begiristain."

Questioned about Real Madrid’s attempts to overcome the Catalan giants in recent encounters in which they have often been criticised for negative tactics, Keita was diplomatic refusing to be drawn into the argument.

"Everyone has their own way of playing," he continued.

"They think that is the best way to beat us and that is that. One could discuss about tricks of the trade but I am not going to criticise anyone."