The Belgian's agreement with the Liga giants apparently included a tantalising clause that would have allowed him to take part in 'other sporting activities' at the club
Thomas Vermaelen's contract at Barcelona reportedly recorded his willingness to play in any position on the Camp Nou pitch and even in another sport entirely!
The revelation was made by Football Leaks, which released what are obstensibly details of the contracts of some of the world's biggest players.
But what stands out most from the deal allegedly struck by the former Arsenal defender was his flexibility.
Within the contract, Vermaelen made a verbal commitment to "make the maximum efforts to integrate into Catalan society and learn the Catalan language."
A further clause, worth €100,000 a season, also meant the Belgian was obliged to play "in whatever position the coaching team deemed appropriate, or to be used in other sporting activities."
Does this mean Vermaelen could have lined up for the Blaugrana's basketball, handball or hockey teams during his downtime at Camp Nou?
Unfortunately, the player has now moved on to Roma after two injury-hit seasons at the club, but it is nevertheless a tantalising thought!
- Goal