The Belgian youngster, who is currently on loan with Real Betis, has revealed he turned down the advances of the Catalan giants in favour of a move to Stamford Bridge

Real Betis loanee Charly Musonda has revealed that he turned down the chance to join Barcelona in 2012 in favour of a move to parent club Chelsea.

The 19-year-old left Anderlecht's famed youth academy at 16 to join the Blues, with whom he is still yet to make his first-team debut for.

Musonda says Chelsea's decision to also snap up his brothers Lamisha and Tika played a key role in him snubbing the advances of Barcelona.

"It is true that I rejected Barcelona because Chelsea also agreed to sign my brothers," Musonda told Marca.

"At the time, it was very important for the family that we all joined the same club. We wanted to stick together.

"Barcelona are among the best in the world, but it was important for me to have my family with me.

"Visiting La Masia was very impressive. It was a great experience that motivated me to keep working very hard. I was introduced to Pep Guardiola. It was a great visit."

Musonda has impressed in La Liga since joining Betis on loan in January, scoring once in seven games.

And when asked who his favourite player in Spain's top flight is, the midfielder cheekily put his own name forward before highlighting Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo as one of his idols growing up.

"My favourite player in La Liga? Me. I like the way I play," he added.

"I really liked Cristiano Ronaldo back at Manchester United when I was young. He was an idol for me. But I am now doing my own thing and enjoying myself.

"Of course, I also look at other players to improve my own game. I enjoy watching players who are enjoying themselves on the pitch, like Neymar and Lionel Messi. I can identify myself with players like them."