Liverpool legend Graeme Souness revealed he turned down a move to Barcelona in 1984 to join Sampdoria for £650,000. The Scotland midfielder, who had just won the European Cup with Liverpool, chose Italy over Spain due to personal circumstances and the growing reputation of Italian football. Souness explained that his wife needed to spend three years abroad, making a two-year Barcelona deal unsuitable.
He joined Sampdoria, then building a young team under new owner Paolo Mantovani, seeking an experienced leader. Meanwhile, Souness believes Rangers now hold a psychological edge over Celtic after recent Old Firm victories. He praised Derek McInnes for instilling confidence, noting Rangers' 3-0 and 1-0 wins planted doubt in Celtic's minds.
However, he warned that dominance could fade if Rangers fail to maintain intensity against weaker opponents.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing