Jonathan Clauss has revealed why he snubbed a transfer to Chelsea in order to move to Marseille from RC Lens this summer.
The wing-back was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as back-up to Reece James, however a move did not materialise.
With Cesar Azpilicueta wanted by Barcelona, the Blues had identified Clauss as a potential option to replace their captain and offer competition for James on the right.
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However, Azpilicueta opted to stay at Chelsea and signed a contract extension, seeing him remain at the club until at least 2024.
This meant that the Blues were not in the market for a right wing-back, with Clauss having joined Marseille instead after an impressive season at Lens.
Chelsea opted to bring in the likes of Wesley Fofana, Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella to reinforce their backline, with James and Azpilicueta remaining as wing-back options for the side.
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Clauss has now opened up on Chelsea's transfer interest, admitting that he did not want to join the club solely to be able to say that he played for Chelsea, instead prioritising game time and his progression.
Speaking to Info Sport, he said: “I didn’t want to sign for Chelsea to one day say I signed for Chelsea.
“It was really to try and keep playing, to discover the Champions League.
"Marseille ticked all the boxes I was looking for.”
Clauss could still play at Stamford Bridge, with Marseille and Chelsea both in the Champions Leauge this season despite avoiding each other in the group stages.
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Marseille sit last in their group, having lost botrh matches this season, while Chelsea have a single point from their opening two matches.
Clauss will be hoping that his side can recover their poor start to the European campaign, with the defender having his eyes set on a World Cup call-up.
The regular first team football he is receiving in Ligue 1 will no doubt hand him a boost to his chances.
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If he joined Chelsea, the defender would no doubt have been there to provide competition to James rather than be a regular starter for the side.
Chelsea will be hopeful of recovering their form when they return from international duty, with Graham Potter named as Thomas Tuchel's successor at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues face Crystal Palace when they return to Premier League action on October 1.
Topics: Chelsea, Reece James, Jonathan Clauss, Football, Marseille, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers
Nick Emms