Real Sociedad signing Arsen Zakharyan has taken a swipe at former suitors Chelsea.

The Russia international signed for La Real last month from Dynamo Moscow having missed a move to Chelsea the previous year.

Chelsea made an attempt to sign Zakharyan, but financial sanctions stalled the move.

He said: "For me, it was more interesting to come to Real Sociedad than to Chelsea.

"It was also a more realistic option. I realised that I was already a Real player when I signed, I was worried about some issues during the negotiation but now… here I am."

La Real will compete in the Champions League this season.