Atletico Madrid striker Kevin Gameiro has admitted that he could have turned out for La Liga rivals Barcelona instead.
Gameiro, 29, joined Atletico from Sevilla in a deal reportedly worth €32 million in the offseason.
The French international has scored twice in six league matches for Diego Simeone's side and feels that he is a better fit at the club, rather than Barca.
Had Simeone had his way, it would have been Chelsea's Diego Costa that he wanted, with Gameiro as the backup plan.
"There was the possibility of going to Barcelona," Gameiro told Cadena COPE.
"But in my head it was clear I wanted to go to Atletico. When Atletico contacted me, it was clear.
"El Cholo [Simeone] phoned me and told me he wanted Diego Costa, but it was very difficult and I was the other option.
"Now I'm in Madrid and that's the main thing."
Atletico remain unbeaten in the La Liga, sitting third in the standings, Behind league leaders Real Madrid and Barcelona.