Lavezzi reveals why he turned down United and Chelsea

Hebei China Fortune winger Ezequiel Lavezzi has revealed he turned down the chance to join Manchester United and Chelsea because he is ‘fascinated’ by Chinese culture.

The former Paris Saint-Germain creator was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea in January and was in talks with a switch to Stamford Bridge before negotiations broke down.

Lavezzi, 30, instead opted to make a lucrative move to the China, where he will play alongside Gervinho, Stephane Mbia and Gael Kakuta at Hebei China Fortune.

“I could have signed for Inter, Chelsea or Manchester United,” Lavezzi told Canal+, via London Evening Standard.

“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. I like the project to develop this club. It was that which convinced me to come to Hebei, as well as the financial aspect.

“I’m fascinated by Chinese culture, so to come and play here is definitely an interesting challenge.”

In his final season at PSG, Lavezzi completed just one dribble in 16 appearances in Ligue 1.

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