Fermin Lopez reveals which Barcelona players pressured him to reject Chelsea offer with injured captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen leading the charge

Barcelona midfielder Fermin has revealed that a group of team-mates influenced his decision to rule out an exit, adding that injured captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen took the initiative of persuading him to reject Chelsea's proposal and continue in Catalunya. Despite speculation suggesting that Fermin could depart, he ultimately chose to stay at Barca and fight for his place.

In the final week of the transfer window, Chelsea pushed hard to sign Fermin and officially tabled a bid worth €40 million (£34m/$46m) plus add-ons. Barcelona were reportedly unhappy with the proposal and demanded €90m (£78m/$105m) instead. The Catalans would have considered a sale if the 22-year-old forced the issue, but he says leaving his boyhood club was never in question.

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Fermin was asked if his team-mates asked him not to leave. He said: "I've had a few conversations with some of them. But the whole team has been very supportive this week, and everyone wanted me to stay, too. The support from the locker room is appreciated."

When asked if he had one-on-one conversations with senior players, he added: "Quite a few, but I can tell you... Ter Stegen, for example. With him, with Ronald [Araujo], with Pedri... With quite a few players, actually. Raphinha too."

It remains to be seen whether Fermin can earn prominence at Barca this season. The youngster will have to fight for minutes with Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Gavi, as well as summer arrival Marcus Rashford. Increased competition seemed to have enticed Fermin to consider a move to the Premier League, but head coach Hansi Flick has always maintained that the midfielder was crucial for him. Although he has a contract until 2029, Fermin didn't rule out a departure before his deal expires. "You never know what the future holds," he said. "There are things you can't control, but yes, yes, I see myself fulfilling my promise and hopefully many years here at Barca."

Fermin has been called up by Luis de la Fuente for Spain's upcoming World Cup qualifiers. As for the Blaugrana, they will play their next game on September 14 against Valencia.