Yoshinori Muto has revealed he turned down the chance to join Chelsea before winding up at Newcastle this summer.
Newcastle shelled out £9.5m to sign Muto from German side Mainz over the summer but the Japan international is still waiting to make his full debut for the Magpies.
Muto has been limited to two Premier League appearances so far this season but the 26-year-old has revealed he could have ended up in England four years ago.
Chelsea were linked with a move for Muto before joining Mainz and he has revealed he turned down the Blues due to the fear of being immediately farmed out on loan.
“I was 22 when I got the offer from Chelsea,” he told The Daily Telegraph. “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 the 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.”
Newcastle are looking for their first win of the season after following up a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham with a 0-0 draw away to Cardiff.
Muto will hope to make his full Premier League debut against Chelsea but will likely have to settle for a place on the bench once again.
He scored eight goals and provided two assists in 27 Bundesliga appearances last season.
