Dario Srna
Darijo Srna was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona in January Getty

Darijo Srna turned down a January move to Barcelona because he prefers to win the Ukrainian league with Shakhtar Donetsk than a Champions League at the Nou Camp. The veteran right-back has thus decided to commit his long-term future to Paulo Fonseca's side by signing a new deal.

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The 35-year-old was heavily linked with a move to the Nou Camp during the January transfer window after Aleix Vidal fell out of favour with manager Luis Enrique during the first part of the current season.

Reports in Spain claimed that Shakhtar was ready to let his captain move to Barcelona as a free agent as a reward for his contributions to the team since arriving from Hajduk Split in 2003.

However, the deal eventually fell through after Srna claimed that he had listened to his "heart" to snub Barcelona and continue his career at Shakhtar.

The Croatia international doesn't regret his decision and has now decided to sign a new deal at Shakhtar until the summer of 2018 in a view to hang his boots at the Ukrainian side.

"I told the president that I would be happier to claim the domestic league title with Shakhtar than the Champions League with Barcelona. He answered me that everything was clear then. Few people put in his shoes would have acted like him. And I just could not forgive myself if I had left," Srna said to the Shakhtar official website.

"I want to finish my career at Shakhtar. And when the president told me that he offered me a new contract, I only thanked him in response! I agreed to any terms. You probably know about the story with Barcelona, ​​however, as I said, my heart is here. I'm happy at Shakhtar.

"After 14-year spell with them, you do not consider yourself a part of the club – you become a member of the family. And at such a difficult time, it's hard just to give up everything. Therefore, I made my decision very quickly. When I talked to the president, I told him that I was glad to sign a new contract, and I am glad that he believes in the team and me. Therefore, I feel a great responsibility to the president, the club and the fans. I am going to give my all to the fullest."

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