Jonathan David has opened up on his decision to snub a move to Leeds United and revealed the role of Lille sporting director Luis Campos in convincing him to sign for Lille.
The Gent striker was subject of interest from Leeds, Arsenal and a number of other clubs.
However, the 20-year-old scored 18 goals in 27 appearances in the Belgian Pro League, earning himself a move to Les Dogues.
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 and was sold by the project Campos presented to him at the Ligue 1 club.
Campos publicly condemned the appointment of Bielsa at Lille in February 2018, with the Portuguese questioning the club's decision to hire the Argentine and allow him to mould the club in his image.
The Lille sporting director ironically claimed that the club required experienced bodies in addition to the young players Bielsa sought to bring through but has played a key role in convincing David, one of Europe's most-coveted youngsters, to move to Stade Pierre Mauroy.
"Everyone knows the Premier League is a high-quality league,’ David told France Bleu Nord on his decision.
"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."
