Roma were snubbed during discussions for Malcom out of "revenge", claims the Brazilian’s agent, with a €41 million (£36.5m/$48m) deal eventually done with Barcelona.
The 21-year-old appeared destined to be heading for Italy when Bordeaux announced that a transfer agreement had been reached with the Serie A side.
A remarkable saga took a stunning twist, though, as Barca moved to hijack that deal and land the South American for themselves.
Malcom’s representative claims he was more than happy to walk out on talks with Roma, with those in the Italian capital considered to have acted inappropriately during a previous move for Daniel Fuzato.
Leonardo Cornacini told Tuttomercatoweb: "The truth is that we decided not to go to Roma because they behaved badly with us.
"I was working on a deal for Fuzato, who is another of my clients, but Roma closed it with another agent, although it's worth mentioning that I have nothing against him. In short, it was revenge.
"I'm sorry to say it, but that's what it was. Roma behaved badly with us, 10 days before with the Fuzato deal, so we acted the same way towards them.
"Given the attitude shown towards us, I decided, together with Malcom, that the best destination wasn't the Giallorossi one.
"And then again, in the same deal for Malcom, Monchi had involved other intermediaries. Today, however, Malcom is happy to be a new signing for Barcelona."
Getty ImagesRoma were left incensed after failing to land one of their top targets, with legal proceedings having been threatened at one stage.
They have, however, had to make peace with the fact that Malcom has headed elsewhere, with their attention having shifted to other targets.
Barca, meanwhile, are looking for the Brazilian to hit the ground running in La Liga and complement the considerable attacking threats they already possess.
Malcom will be hoping to see regular game with the Camp Nou giants this season alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho.