Sergio Busquets could have been enjoyed a totally different career had he accepted an invitation from Real Madrid to join their youth ranks in 2005.
The midfielder who has gone on to win six La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns with Barcelona, not to mention a European Championship triumph and World Cup win with Spain, was spotted by Madrid's Catalunya-based scout Manuel Romero while still unattached.
The capital outfit were keen to bring a player of considerable promise onto their books, but their interest in Busquets drew a rapid response from Barca, who moved to ensure that a home-grown talent was not allowed to slip through their net.
He was not the only promising midfielder Real had their eye on either, with Romero revealing that Sergi Roberto was also targeted before opting to remain closer to home.
"I invited Busquets to train with Madrid for a week, but after seeing our fax, Barcelona signed him," Romero told Cadena SER.
"Roberto was practically closed for Madrid after I had spoken with his parents when he was at Nastic's youth team."
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