Fermin Lopez turned down the chance to join Chelsea after he reportedly had encouraging talks with coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco.

After starring with two goals in Barcelona's 6-0 thrashing of Valencia, Fermin Lopez has insisted he "never had any doubts" about rejecting a summer move to Chelsea. The Premier League side made an attempt to sign the midfielder but he was convinced to stay as the club stood firm on their €90 million (£78m/$106m) valuation for the Spanish international.

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez was in visible pain as he lay down after the final whistle of his side's 3-0 win against Getafe on Sunday, prompting the medical team to check on him. Lopez was seen holding his leg and left the pitch crying as coach Hansi Flick consoled him. The club confirmed they are soon going to conduct tests.

Fermin Lopez joked Real Madrid were not among the clubs trying to sign him in the summer as he admitted that he received more offers than just Chelsea's late bid. The midfielder insisted that leaving Barcelona was never an option, though, as he looks to become a crucial figure for Hansi Flick's side following another injury upset.

Fermin Lopez has shut down rumours of a rift with Gavi, insisting that the two remain close friends despite months of speculation linking their supposed fallout to personal disputes and training-ground clashes. The Barcelona midfielder says he is focused on maturity, mental strength and loyalty to the club as the noise around his relationship with Gavi refuses to die down.