Ezequiel Lavezzi, who recently joined Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune has stated that he could have signed for clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea and Inter Milan.
Lavezzi signed for the Chinese side after three-and-a-half successful years with Paris Saint-Germain and had won three consecutive Ligue 1 titles and two French league cups with the team. The Argentine also scored 35 goals for the club before joining Hebei in a lucrative deal.
"I could have signed for Inter, Chelsea or Manchester United but I took the decision to leave for China," Lavezzi was quoted by sports.fr when he was presented to the media.
"It's an important decision for my career. I'm sure that I'm going to meet many challenges."
The former Napoli star was also quick to state that the move to Asia was not motivated just for money but for the development of the game within the club.
"The development plan of the club interests me," Lavezzi said. "It's one of the reasons that pushed me to join the club, along with the financial interest.
"I'm fascinated by Chinese culture. To play in this country is an interesting challenge - it's why I came."
International dream over for Lavezzi
Lavezzi though also stated that his time with the national side could well be over with the move to China. The Argentine was quoted speaking about his chances with the side:
"Yes, it's probable that it's finished,
"But I already took my decision and from now on I want to give everything for my club."
Lavezzi isn't the only star from the European leagues to have joined Chinese Super League sides in the recently concluded transfer window. Jackson Martinez, Jo, Alex Teixeira and Ramires are just some of the players who have decided to join the rapidly growing league.
