Robert Fernandez: Claudio Bravo wanted to leave Barcelona, we wanted him to stay

Barcelona have explained the reasons for the sale of Claudio Bravo and made clear that, at all times, the club were unwilling to let the Chilean leave.

The two-time Copa America winner has joined Manchester City for 18 million euros on a four-year contract and has since been replaced at the Camp Nou by Jasper Cillessen, afer winning two league and Copa del Rey titles as well as a Champions League during his time at the Camp Nou.

"Neither the coach or club directive wanted Claudio to leave because he's a great goalkeeper," Fernandez said. "But this was his decision and we must respect that.

"When we were in negotiations, we thought that we had this season and another plus an extra year in 2018 for Bravo to leave as a free agent to negotiate with any club. All this has influenced his decision."

Albert Soler, Barça's director of the professional sections, added: "It's difficult to economically evaluate this deal. Bravo was bought for 12 million euros and was sold for 18 million plus two.

"He offered an excellent performance and it's clear that, in an overall assessment, the transfer is positive.

"We offered the renewal and he wanted to leave."