Wilmar Barrios has opened up on his decision to reject a move to Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest over the summer in favour of staying at Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg.
Before bringing in Ibrahim Sangare and Nicolas Dominguez from PSV Eindhoven and Bologna respectively, Steve Cooper’s side made a move for Zenit’s experienced Colombia international.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Nottingham Forest submitted a lowball bid of just £3.5 million. Some £10 million less than Zenit wanted for a man looking to add a sixth Russian Premier League title to his enviable collection.
Now, speaking to Sport Express two months on, Wilmar Barrios has opened up on that Nottingham Forest interest, jumping at the opportunity to extend his contract at the Gazprom Arena rather than embark on a fresh start in England.
Nottingham Forest wanted Wilmar Barrios
“It’s normal that, after the transfer window opens, there are a lot of different rumours,” the former Boca Juniors ace explains. “I can say that I immediately gave all the cards to the club. I said that, if Zenit receives a favourable offer, I would be ready to consider it, together with the management.
“And, at some point, I was offered (the chance) to extend my contract. I didn’t have any questions or problems, so I accepted it instantly. I have repeated more than once that I feel great at Zenit, in St. Petersburg. My family is happy here. And, for me, this is the most important thing.
“I perceive my career at Zenit as a great privilege that life has given me. So I was very pleased to sign the new contract.”
Forest host Brighton this weekend
Nottingham Forest will not be too disappointed, Sangare and Dominquez showing real signs of promise in Garibaldi red even if neither player has yet to really hit their stride.
“Indeed, there were some talks (with Forest),” Barrios adds. “But all this is already a thing of the past. At some point, we sat down to discuss everything with Zenit representatives, and they made me an offer to extend my contract. I happily agreed.”
Sangare and Dominguez are likely to start again as Forest host Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.
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