David Moyes revealed he held discussions with Everton before accepting the offer to return as West Ham Manager.
The Scotsman, who was in charge at Goodison Park between 2002 and 2013, was in line to replace Marco Silva as the Blues permanent manager following his sacking in December.
However, Carlo Ancelotti was appointed and a week later Moyes took up post at the London Stadium.
Follow the latest Everton news and transfers plus build-up to West Ham LIVE
Moyes said: "I wouldn't deny that I spoke to Everton. But I also wouldn't deny that I knew West Ham had suggested there might be an opening, and when it came up I was thrilled to take the West Ham job, I really was.
"It was something which sometimes you're glad because I think the owners had been big enough to say, 'come back', and I admired them very much because sometimes it's a hard thing to do.
"I've got to say, I always hoped I'd get an opportunity to come back and finish the job. I feel as if I had really just got started.
"If you look at our results, we'd beaten Everton in the last game of the season, we'd drawn with Manchester United, we'd won at Leicester the Saturday before - we had just started to get a bit of momentum.
"So I have to get back to that level where it was 18 months ago as well. It may take time but I really wanted to get a chance to do it at West Ham again."
