Barcelona's star midfielder Frenkie de Jong told his teammates that he may move to Manchester United in the summer of 2022.
United boss Erik ten Hag was hoping to reunite with the Dutch international again at Old Trafford having coached him at Ajax between 2017 and 2019.
However, the Red Devils were unable to agree a deal with the player, despite agreeing a fee with Barca.
Gavi spoke to La Vanguardia about his teammate as quoted by Tribal Football: "I admire Frenkie. When he said he could leave, I was upset and told him so.
“Thank goodness he didn't leave and is still with us."
De Jong went on to prove himself at Barcelona after a difficult start and has become irreplaceable under Xavi Hernandez in recent months.
