Thirty years since Johan Cruyff shocked everybody by signing Romerito

In April 1989, just three months before the end of the season and with Barcelona's election campaign in full swing with Jose Luiz Nunez and Sixto Cambra competing for presidency, Johan Cruyff attempted to sign Ronald Koeman, who was tied down to PSV Einhoven for the following season or Romerito.

After making a surprise offer for Koeman several months earlier in an attempt to prize him away from the Dutch club, Barcelona managed to complete the signing of the 28-year-old Paraguayan.

He demanded an extortionate transfer fee considering he was only signing on a short-term basis.

Romerito was not well known in Europe but had certainly made a name for himself in South America, particularly during his spell at Brazilian club Fluminense.

He was presented as a Barcelona player on March 30 then on Saturday April 1, exactly 30 years ago, he found himself starting in his first match for the club against no other than Real Madrid.

Romerito was seen as a last resort to try and regain some ground on Real Madrid who were already comfortably running away with LaLiga Santander.

Barcelona dominated the encounter and the Paraguayan had two guilt edged opportunities, which he squandered.

"On another day, under different circumstances and pressure, I would have taken them," said Romerito after the match.

Unfortunately, for Romerito, his performances did not improve and he only went on to make seven appearances in which he scored one goal against Malaga.

He went back to play in both Brazil and Paraguay before he decided to hang up his boots.

After doing so, he turned his hand to footvolley and became a world champion for his country.