Barcelona legend Carlos Puyol has revealed seven-time European Cup winners AC Milan would have been his ideal destination had he left Spain during his illustrious career at the Camp Nou.
The former Barca captain decided to hang up his boots for good in 2014 after a glittering career with the Spanish giants, which spanned 15 years and included six La Liga titles, three Champions League triumphs and twelve other major trophies.
A product of the famous La Masia academy, Puyol played an integral role in the Catalan giants' most dominant period between 2006-2011 alongside the likes of fellow academy products Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez and Lionel Messi.
With he and his teammates dominating at home and abroad, the former Spain captain revealed he wasn't thinking of leaving such a side, but if he had to, Italian giants AC Milan would have been his next best option.
"Leave Spain? I wouldn't have had a reason," the 38-year-old said. "If I had to choose I would have picked Milan. I hope they return to the top level soon."
The World Cup winning captain had a number of clashes with the Italian giants in the Champions League over the years, but the former European giants have since become a shadow of their former selves.
Puyol: "Leave Spain? I wouldn't have had a reason. If I had to choose I would have picked Milan. I hope they return to the top level soon." pic.twitter.com/w9rpy46nqW
Without any European football this season, Milan manager Vincenzo Montella has so far guided his side to third in the Serie A table, with the prospect of Champions League football next season now a realistic proposition.