Liverpool icon Graeme Souness has revealed he turned down the opportunity to sign for Barcelona when he departed the European champions in 1984. The Scotland midfielder instead joined Italian club Sampdoria for £650,000, just weeks after lifting Liverpool's fourth European Cup.
Souness, who finished sixth in that year's Ballon d'Or, explained his decision was partly due to his wife needing to spend three years out of the country. He stated he rejected a two-year deal from Barcelona because he required a three-year contract, even considering his age. Italy was also the preferred destination for many top players at the time.
After two seasons with Sampdoria, where he won an Italian Cup, Souness moved to Rangers as player-manager in 1986. He has since advised the Ibrox club on managerial appointments but stated he would not return as manager, citing his abrasive style as unsuitable for today's players.
Souness also believes Rangers have gained a psychological advantage over Celtic following two Old Firm victories in September. Derek McInnes' side beat Celtic 3-0 in the League Cup and then 1-0 in the Premiership, leaving them two points behind the champions.