Newcastle summer signing Yoshinori Muto has revealed that he rejected an offer from Chelsea years prior to signing for the Magpies.
The Japan international striker didn’t agree to joining the Blues from Mainz because he wasn’t interested in being sent out on loan by the London outfit.
Muto preferred the idea of playing regular first-team football for his parent club in the Bundesliga than spending short-term spells with temporary clubs.
The 26-year old also expected the Blues were targeting him as a signing primarily to help boost their profile in the Far East, and is confident he made the right choice in rejecting them.
Talking about Chelsea’s offer, as reported by The Telegraph, Muto said:
I was 22 when I got the offer from Chelsea. At the time, I didn’t feel the manager of the club really wanted or needed me.
I think they wanted to sign the young potential of players and then loan them out to help them progress. Instead of doing that, I wanted to stay at a club to help me progress.
I wanted to feel like I could make my own progress step by step, therefore I didn’t take that opportunity.
Of course, it is a strange feeling to play against Chelsea. They are obviously a fantastic club, really strong. If we can be united as a team, as one, then they are an opponent we can get a win. We really need the three points. If I contribute by scoring or assisting, it will be a fantastic weekend.
