A former Premier League wonderkid has revealed the reason why he once snubbed Barcelona's offer of a 10-year contract.
John Bostock, 32, has enjoyed spells with Crystal Palace, Brentford and Nottingham Forest during his career, having bounced around numerous leagues in several different countries.
A talented youngster, Bostock's abilities were spotted by the Eagles and it was there that he became the club's youngest-ever player at just 15 years old.
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It was during this time he attracted the attention of La Liga giants Barcelona, who offered him an incredible decade-long deal to move to Spain.
He rejected their advances and later moved to Tottenham, where he was sent out on loan to Brentford, Hull, Sheffield Wednesday, Swindon and Toronto before leaving the club on a permanent deal in 2013.
Spells in Belgium and France soon followed, with the tenacious midfielder now with National League outfit Solihull Moors.
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Despite rejecting the chance to join Barcelona, Bostock says he has little to regret on a life well spent in the professional game.
“My family and I agreed it would be best for us to stay in England, especially London,” said the former Lens midfielder, as he reflected on Barcelona's advances.
“I’m a follower of Jesus and I believe our steps are ordered. I was exposed to faith in my mid-teens and so my relationship with God was my source throughout all the trials and tribulations and helped me mature very quickly.
"It gave me a different outlook on my career and life in general.
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“I’m sure moving to Barcelona would have been a lovely, lovely choice, but I met my wife at Tottenham and, behind the scenes, away from the pitch, my character really got formed at the club.
“It was quite close and the offer was made, but we chose to stay in London.”
Bostock will be remembered by some for his penalty-kick failings during Notts County eventual victory in the 2023 National League play-off final.
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Attempting to panenka his effort against Chesterfield, his shot came back off the bar before the Magpies eventually went on to win the tie and secure promotion to League Two.
His return to English football came back in 2020 and he previously admitted a life away from the UK had proved difficult.
“I would have loved to have finished my career on the continent but, as you grow and you have a family, different priorities become your focus,” he said.
“To be rooted in a home after so many years travelling is definitely a blessing.”
Topics: Brentford, Crystal Palace, Non-League, Nottingham Forest, Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, FC Barcelona, La Liga
Matthew Holt