Jonathan David has opened up on his decision to snub a move to the Premier League.
The Gent striker was subject of interest from Arsenal, Leeds United and other clubs.
However, the 20-year-old scored 18 goals in 27 appearances in the Belgian Pro League, earning himself a move to French club Lille.
David has now explained that he turned down a move to England over fears he wouldn't get the same playing time as he would in France.
Lille paid a club-record fee of €31.5million after selling Victor Osimhen to Napoli, another young star they developed.
"Everyone knows the Premier League is a high-quality league,’ he told France Bleu Nord.
"But my choice was dictated by the fact that above all, I wanted to be sure of playing.
"My choice was made quite early. But I understand that it took a little while to finalise between the two clubs.
"Gent wanted to keep me one more season, but I had made my choice and they respected it.
"I always knew it was going to be done, even if it took a little while. I really liked the sports project that Luis Campos [Lille’s sporting director] and the club management sold to me.
"That’s really what encouraged me to join Lille. In fact, I especially wanted to join a club where I know that I will keep playing and getting better.
"There is a very good team here with very good players."
