Gameiro: I could have joined Barcelona

France international Kevin Gameiro insists he could have joined Barcelona before opting for Atletico Madrid.

Gameiro, 29, was heavily linked with a move to the LaLiga champions prior to joining Atletico from Sevilla in a deal reportedly worth €32million.

The forward, who has scored twice in six league games for Atletico, said he always knew he wanted to be at the Vicente Calderon.

“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 Atleti contacted me, it was clear.”

Gameiro said game time would have been difficult at Barca, with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar ahead of him.

He also believes he is better suited to Atletico, who were chasing Chelsea striker Diego Costa before signing Gameiro.

“El Cholo [coach Diego Simeone] phoned me and told me he wanted Diego Costa, but it was very difficult and I was the other option,” Gameiro said.

He added: “Now I’m in Madrid and that’s the main thing.”

Atletico are unbeaten to start their LaLiga campaign, sitting third in the table – two points behind leaders and city rivals Real Madrid.