Porto midfielder Nico reveals why he chose Barcelona over Real Madrid

Nico departed from Barca to join Porto last year, with the Catalans retaining a buy-back clause in his contract.

He recalled to O Jogo: "I had several options, like Real Madrid and others, but I already knew Barça , I was at the club since I was little and it was easy to make up my mind.

"I faced it in a normal way and not as extra pressure to work harder and show myself."  

Nico also said: "My childhood idol was (Andreas) Iniesta , but when I started playing as a '6' at Barça, I obviously opted for (Sergi) Busquets.

"Although here at Porto , my position would be more similar to Iniesta's."