Grimaldo left Benfica for Bayer last summer, helping them win the Bundesliga title.
He has now discussed the decision to quit Barca for Benfica in the 2016 January transfer window.
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"Bara didn't count on me. I had six months left on my contract, and there was an opportunity to extend and move up to the A-squad," he told Esquire magazine.
"After four or five years in Bara B, I felt it was time to take that step, but it didn't happen. I understand the situation of the club, because at that time Jordi Alba was there and it was difficult to step up.
"So I had to make the decision to leave."