Iconic Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon nearly joined Barcelona instead of the Serie A giants, his agent Silvano Martina revealed.
Buffon left Parma for Juventus in 2001 and the 39-year-old has since gone on to become one of the greatest keepers of all-time, winning seven Scudetti among other trophies.
However, Italy's most-capped player almost moved to Camp Nou following an agreement with the LaLiga powerhouse.
"Yes, it was close," Martina told TuttoJuve as Juve prepare to face Barca in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, starting April 11.
"There was an agreement between Parma and Barcelona, but he picked Juventus."
Buffon is out of contract at the end of next season and the veteran shot-stopper has shown no signs of slowing down.
He could play beyond the 2018 World Cup in Russia but Martina said: "I don't know [if he will play until he is 40].
"He will decide when it should be when the time comes."
Buffon has been a mainstay for five-time defending champions Juve this season, playing 25 Serie A games and 33 in all competitions.
'I don’t think he’s good enough, passing often goes wrong. We are somewhat limited up front but even then, you have to earn your selection, and I think he doesn’t deserve that now.' Manchester United star Joshua Zirkzee slammed by national team manager
'Manchester United look confused about what they're being asked to do - he's certainly not getting the best out of them., I wouldn't bet a single penny on them getting to the next round' Alan Shearer issues damning verdict of Europa League hopes
