Khaberni - The Russian Viktor Onopko, former defender of Real Oviedo in Spain, revealed the strange reason that prevented him from wearing the Barcelona jersey in the nineties, indicating that "physical appearance" was the only obstacle to completing the deal.
Onopko (56 years old) said in the podcast "El Peugeot del Abadía": "I knew that Barcelona wanted to sign me, but Johan Cruyff or one of his assistants refused the idea, saying that I was (ugly).. and for that reason, they did not contract with me."
Despite this bizarre rejection, the tough Russian defender managed to vindicate himself on the field; on May 27, 2001, he led his team Oviedo to achieve a historic 1-0 victory over Barcelona at the "Camp Nou".
Onopko recalled that match with a poignant memory of his late coach Radomir Antic, saying: "On that day, Antic promised us a victory bonus from his own money, and he delivered on his promise and paid us immediately."
