Hamburg striker Ruud van Nistelrooy admits he could have joined Europa League opponents Fulham.

The former Manchester United forward was wanted by several Premier League sides in January, including Spurs and Fulham.

But the striker, 33, chose Germany over England as he thought Hamburg stood a better chance of winning trophies.

Van Nistelrooy revealed to The Sun: "Fulham asked Real (Madrid) about me but did not come up with a concrete proposition.

"The decision to join Hamburg was purely down to sporting aspects. I am still very ambitious and wanted to play for as many minutes as possible this season."

But, having seen the Londoners' progression under boss Roy Hodgson, Van Nistelrooy cannot disguise his respect for what they have achieved this season.

He added: "It is incredible that they are in a European semi-final but they fully deserve their success.

"Having said that, if we don't make the final it will be a total disaster. It is impossible to think we might fail."