Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has admitted that he considered a summer move to Paris Saint-Germain amid interest from Jose Mourinho and Tottenham Hotspur as well.
Rudiger's future was the subject of much speculation as the summer transfer window drew to a close, with the German centre-back out of favour under Frank Lampard.
Interest in the 28-year-old from West Ham United was widely reported, while there was also speculation that Spurs were keen on signing Rudiger on loan.
Paris Saint-Germain, who at the time had Thomas Tuchel in charge, were also credited with a late approach for the defender.
And while Rudiger has now confirmed the latter two sides' interest, he has insisted he only ever considered a move to the French capital.
"Shocked is the wrong word, I was not really shocked, but some things I saw coming," Rudiger explained ahead of Chelsea's Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid tomorrow evening.
"Then I was not in the squad and I didn't see it coming but at the end of the day I took it on the chin and I was close [to leaving].
"There were two teams. One team that I was considering was PSG, to be honest, and there was also (Jose) Mourinho. This is something that at the end of the day didn’t happen.
"I was a bit upset, of course, but I knew my situation, I wasn’t playing often. I had a talk with (Frank) Lampard and then I was back in the team on the bench. Then I also had a couple of games and just worked my way back.
"The last games of his reign I was on the pitch and now things are going well for me. I am very happy about it. I always felt good within the club, especially upstairs with the board. Nobody told me I should leave.
"The transfer didn’t happen and nobody told me within the club that I should leave."
Rudiger has featured in all but one of Tuchel's matches in charge but with his contract expiring at the end of next season, his long-term future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain.
The Germany international insists he is happy to remain at Stamford Bridge but admits it's down to the club to make a decision as to whether he stays beyond this summer.
"Even at the beginning of the season when things didn't go my way, I was always calm, like now," he said.
"At the end of the day, I can't give myself a contract. I love it here at Chelsea, they will always be my priority number one."
