Newcastle United forward Yoshinori Muto says that Chelsea once wanted to sign him.
Muto has joined Newcastle from Mainz in the summer transfer window for a transfer fee reported by Sky Sports to be worth £9.5 million.
The 26-year-old Japan international forward has revealed that he could have joined Chelsea when he was 22 years of age.
Muto told The Telegraph: “I was 22 when I got the offer from Chelsea. At the time, I didn’t feel the manager of the club really wanted or needed me.
“I think they wanted to sign the young potential of players and then loan them out to help them progress. Instead of doing that, I wanted to stay at a club to help me progress.
“I wanted to feel like I could make my own progress step by step, therefore I didn’t take that opportunity.”
Good signing for Newcastle United
Muto started his professional club football career at FC Tokyo and moved to Mainz in 2015.
The forward scored eight goals and provided two assists in 20 Bundesliga starts for Mainz last season, according to WhoScored.
The Japan international is not exactly a prolific goalscorer, but the forward is a good footballer who will play an important role against the Magpies.
Muto has played 34 minutes in the Premier League for Newcastle so far this season, according to WhoScored.
Rafael Benitez’s side will return to action this afternoon when they take on Chelsea at St. James’ Park in the Premier League.
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