Josko Gvardiol has explained the reasons behind snubbing a transfer to Leeds United in favour of joining Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.
The Whites were pushing to land the defender from Dinamo Zagreb but he ultimately spurned the chance to move to the Premier League.
Instead, he signed for Leipzig and, as part of that agreement, will remain with Dinamo for the current season on loan - which may not have been an option had he moved to Elland Road.
Ultimately, Gvardiol did not feel it was the right time in his career to move to England but admitted that it is still a dream he holds for the future.
“I had an agreement with agent Marjan Šišić to let me know the details when something is concrete and official, and Leeds’ [offer] was [concrete and official]," he told Croatian newspaper Vecernji List via Sport Witness.
“I am aware of the size of that club, the English league and the offer that has arrived, but from the beginning, I had some thoughts of my own – my development comes first.
“It is still my dream to play in England, but I want to get there completely prepared. Now I don’t think this was the time for that step yet and that weighed in the decision.”
