Paco Alcacer say he could not refuse the chance to join Barcelona as he bids to take the next step in his footballing career.
The La Liga champions confirmed a five-year deal to sign Alcacer, 23, from Valencia had been agreed for a fee of more than £27 million on Tuesday.
Valencia had been adamant that they wanted to keep Alcacer at the Mestalla but the player has revealed he pleaded with his hometown club to allow him fulfil the dream of playing for the Catalan giants.
“When I found out about the offer from FC Barcelona I asked the club to listen to it, as it was my decision to take a step forward in my career,” he told Valencia’s website.
“I want to thank Valencia CF and the fans. Despite the fact that I am leaving Valencia CF, I will always be a Valencianista at heart.”
The capture of Alcacer brings to six the number of new faces at the Nou Camp this summer following the arrivals of Jasper Cillessen, Andre Gomes, Samuel Umtiti, Lucas Digne and Denis Suarez.
Alcacer has scored six goals in 13 appearances for the Spanish national team and will link up with his new team-mates at Barca after the World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein on Monday.
He boasts a La Liga record of 30 goals in 92 appearances for Los Che while he also spent a season on loan at Getafe in 2012-13.
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique had widely been tipped to be seeking one more option to supplement his attacking trip of Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar.
Barcelona are 1.67 to retain their La Liga crown this season.
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