Alex Song says he turned down Champions League clubs to join West Ham United.
The midfielder is on-loan at West Ham from Barcelona.
"Some people are asking when I did not go to a club playing in the Champions League, but the priority for me was to come back to England," says Song. "I have played in the Champions League for nine years and that was not important. I have many years to play in the Champions League.
"I wanted to play in the Premier League. I started playing here when I was 17 years old and it is one f the best leagues in the world. When I had the opportunity to come back and I spoke to the manager, I jumped at the chance. I liked the way he spoke to me and what he had to say.
"I was very happy with the project at the club. They have big plans for the future, with the move to the new stadium coming soon, and I wanted to take the challenge."
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