There was never an option to join Real Madrid, claims Barcelona's Rafinha - Goal.com

The 18-year-old recently put pen to paper on a new three-year deal to commit his future to the champions amid alleged interest from Real Madrid. However, he denied that he is looking for a move away after being given the chance to continue his development with the Blaugrana.

"[Pep] Guardiola is the best coach and we all know what he means for this club," he continued. "From the grassroots level up, it is very important to have someone as technical as him."

Rafinha was also quizzed on where his international allegiance would lie. The attacking midfielder has played at various youth levels for Spain, but is still eligible to switch to his native Brazil.

"I am still young and I have many things to decide," said the youngster.

Barcelona face Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday, with kick-off in Catalunya scheduled at 20:00 GMT.

Starting last week and continuing every Friday through to January, Goal.com will publish extracts from Graham Hunter's highly-anticipated book, Barca: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World. Friday's second extract was about how Joan Laporta and Sandro Rosell used David Beckham as a vote-winner in the club elections of 2003, even though a deal was already done between Manchester United and Real Madrid.