• Transfer News

Benatia: I snubbed City and Chelsea

Mehdi Benatia opted to join Bayern Munich from Roma © AP

Enlarge

Medhi Benatia has revealed that he rebuffed interest from Manchester City, Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid before joining Bayern Munich from Roma.

The defender, who moved to the Bundesliga champions during the final days of the summer transfer window for around £20 million, said he wanted to win trophies with one of the "four best clubs in the world".

He said he had not considered leaving Roma - where he had spent only a year - until Bayern came along, telling German magazine kicker: "I felt great at Roma right from the beginning.

"We finished second, and all was great for me. I scored five goals and even captained the team. The people trusted me, and I did not think that I'd be leaving Rome.

"But enquiries started coming in during the year, and I discussed them with the sporting director. Walter Sabatini told me that the club essentially wanted to keep me, but that they needed money so they might sell me.

"We then agreed that I would either get an updated contract or that I would join a top club."

Asked about the clubs interested in him, he replied: "Manchester City and Chelsea, but there were also enquiries from Barcelona and Real Madrid," before explaining that Bayern had got in touch when Javi Martinez was ruled out for up to seven months after being injured in the German Super Cup.

"I did not want to miss out on that opportunity when Bayern voiced their interest," he explained. "I perceived the offer as a huge chance, and told Sabatini that I wanted to join Bayern.

"Bayern are one of the top four clubs in the world. They play for every title year in, year out. You don't reject such an offer."

He said the prospect of working with Pep Guardiola had also been a major factor in his decision, adding: "For a player, he is the best coach there is right now. He makes you better."

Benatia is set to return to Rome in the Champions League in mid-October and said: "I was delighted about that draw, even if I know what I have to expect there. Whistles, insults - but that's the way it is."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd