Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita has revealed that he turned down offers from Real Madrid and Juventus to sign for the Catalan giant.

Keita, a versatile midfielder and Mali international, has become an important member of Pep Guardiola's all conquering side since signing from Sevilla in 2008.

The midfielder was actually advised not to sign for Barca, which at the time was not yet the dominant force it is in Europe and in Spain today. Fortunately for Keita, he ignored the advice and has gone on to lift three successive league titles and the UEFA Champions League twice with Barca while Real and Juve have both failed to match this impressive trophy haul.

"Barcelona had had three complicated years," Keita told L'Equipe.

"Many people advised me not to sign for them.

"I had advanced contact with Real Madrid and Juventus and both those clubs were putting pressure to sign me and offered me more money.

"But I had given my word to [then Barca technical secretary] Txiki Begiristain."

The 32-year-old was also not prepared to criticise Real Madrid which has come under some heat for their roughhouse tactics against the Catalans in recent El Clasico encounters.

"Everyone has their own way of playing," he added.

"They think that is the best way to beat us and that is that. One could discuss about tricks of the trade but I am not going to criticise anyone."

Keita reportedly joined Barca for a €14 million fee from Sevilla.