Ezequiel Lavezzi Rejected Chelsea FC For China Switch
Italian forward Ezequiel Lavezzi has revealed that he turned down the opportunity to join Chelsea FC for a switch to Chinese outfit Hebei China Fortune.
Ezequiel Lavezzi was the subject of much transfer speculation over the winter transfer window as he edged towards a Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) departure. Many European clubs were linked with the forward but Lavezzi chose to snub a host of potential destinations for a trip to China.
Speaking at his unveiling as a Hebei China Fortune player, the Argentine claimed that he could have picked a move to the Premier League if he so desired. He even name dropped Chelsea and Manchester United as two clubs who were concrete in their interest.
"I could have signed for Inter, Chelsea or Manchester United. But I made the decision to go to China. It’s an important choice for my career, I’m sure I’ll face many challenges here. – via Sky Sports"
Chelsea were on the lookout for a forward in January as they sought to bolster their attacking options for the second half of the season. With the likes of Lavezzi turning down a move to West London, the Blues settled on a loan deal for Alexandre Pato instead.
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The former PSG man had fallen out of favour at the Parc des Princes as he saw his role reduced to a bit-part one. Understandably, the 30-year-old was pressing for a move as he tries to maximise the remainder of his career. While it is a shame to see a player of such talent take up a lucrative move to a vanity league instead of remaining in competitive football, no-one can criticise him. The offers on the table from the likes of Chelsea and United would have inevitably seen him fulfill much the same role that he desperately wanted to break out from at PSG.
Having said that, the fact that he snubbed the two clubs can undoubtedly be held up as an indication of how far the pair have fallen. If either outfit were legitimately chasing domestic and/or European glory, Lavezzi may well have been tempted to chance his arm at breaking into the starting eleven.
The forward did not see such potential and has trotted off to the Far East for what could be his final paycheck. He will join the likes of Alex Teixeira, who was heavily linked with Liverpool, and Chelsea’s own Ramires as the Chinese Super League looks to establish itself in the footballing world.
Next: Alexandre Pato In Line For Chelsea FC Debut As Diego Costa Is Rested
Fortunately, Diego Costa has more than made up for this missed opportunity. Let’s just hope that Pato can chip in as well when he gets his chance.