Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva says he turned down the advances of Real Madrid and Barcelona earlier in his career.
Silva, 31, has been one of the world's best centre-backs over the last decade, and was often linked with move to one of the two La Liga giants -- especially during his three excellent seasons at AC Milan.
Ahead of Madrid's visit to Paris for Wednesday's Champions League Group A clash, the former Brazil captain told AS that the Madrid interest came earlier in his career, while the possibility of a move to the Camp Nou fell through quickly after initial talks with then-Blaugrana president Sandro Rosell.
"Before going to Milan I had some personal contacts with Madrid," Silva said. "While at Milan, I had conversations with Barca but they did not firm up due to details.
"I asked for some important things, but they were not forthcoming. I saw quickly that it was not a good situation for me. With respect to Sandro [Rosell], that option did not come through."
Silva said that Madrid and PSG are now competing on a similar level in Europe, but are at different moments in their development.
"Madrid are a different club to PSG," he said. "They are in different moments. We have the same objective -- to respect all the clubs the same. Madrid are one of the best in the world."
Silva was among those surprised when his former PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti, was fired by Madrid last June, just 12 months after delivering "La Decima" -- a 10th European Cup -- to the Bernabeu.
"I was surprised after two seasons, and one where [Ancelotti] won the Champions League," he said. "It was a big surprise that Madrid would let him go. But I think he left with his head high as he is an incredible gaffer. He gives everything for the player.
"He gets the player to be aware on the pitch and to run to win. I have a very good relationship with him because here in Paris he made me captain. You cannot say enough about him. I appreciate his professionalism."
Silva believes that current Blancos captain Sergio Ramos is now the world's best defender, but says that the Spain international would have his hands full with PSG talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Wednesday.
"For me Ramos is currently the best defender in the world," he said. "That is my opinion. He defends well, he can play football, and manages all areas. A very complete footballer. I am sure he will want to play well, as will Ibrahimovic. I hope Ibra gets the better of it."
Silva also said that former Madrid winger Angel Di Maria's has settled well in Paris since his €63 million summer transfer from Manchester United, adding: "He has made PSG better. He has great physical capacity and ability on the ball. He is very skilful with the final ball and also scores goals.
"He is very important for the team. But not just for this. In a dressing room to have fun is very important and he helps with his -- alongside [Ezequiel] Lavezzi, [Javier] Pastore, David Luiz and even with [Edinson] Cavani. This harmony off the pitch makes things go more smoothly on it."