Chelsea’s interest in Barcelona’s rising star Fermín López has been one of the big talking points of the transfer window, but the midfielder has now revealed why a move to Stamford Bridge was never on the cards.

The 22-year-old was speaking to Mundo Deportivo from Spain’s national team training camp when he shut down speculation linking him to the Premier League.

“My priority has always been to be at Barça,” López said.

López has been at Barcelona for a decade, joining the club at the age of 12. His loyalty runs deep, and despite Chelsea’s strong push last week, his heart was never swayed.

“My priority has always been to be at Barça,” he told Mundo Deportivo.

“I arrived when I was 12; it was my dream to reach the first team. It’s flattering to see interest from other clubs, but I always had the idea of staying and succeeding here.”

The youth academy graduate’s decision has delighted Barcelona fans, who flooded social media and media surveys with calls for him to remain at the club.

He went on: “Since I joined the first team, I’ve felt very loved by the Catalans. It’s appreciated that I’m an important player for Barça.”

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick recently highlighted López’s “Barça heart,” a sentiment the midfielder echoed as a key factor in his decision.

“It’s been very important because I’ve always fought to play for Barça,” López said.

“My goal is to stay here.”