Alvaro Arbeloa returns to the Premier League for the first time since 2009.
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Alvaro Arbeloa has revealed that he rejected offers from AC Milan and Spanish clubs in order to join West Ham United.
The 33-year-old left Real Madrid after seven seasons this summer upon the expiration of his contract and the man who played almost 100 times for Liverpool in just two-and-a-half seasons last decade has now returned to the Premier League.
“It’s hard to leave Real Madrid and choose another destination”, the right-back said.
The ex-Spain global also explained that he had numerous options to remain in La Liga but the man who has played 237 times for Real did not want to feature again for any other side in his native country.
But Arbeloa revealed Milan came in for him before the Hammers – only for talks to become complicated by the potential arrival of the Italian giants’ new Chinese owners.
“There were advanced talks with AC Milan, but then West Ham’s offer came in and it was a quick process”. It’s like leaving heaven and finding a destination on earth.
“It took me a while to make the decision because I wanted to join a club which convinced me in every aspect”.
“But the club, the city and the coach convinced me”.
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Speaking to Cope about his summer, Arbeloa said: “There were some [offers] from Spain, but my intention was to leave Spain because I didn’t want to wear another shirt that was not Real Madrid. Furthermore, the Premier League this season is going to be unbelievable, it is is very attractive, is a very tight competition with really good players and good managers”. “It’s a balanced Premier League, perhaps the most balanced in recent years”.
