Former Atalanta defender and new Leicester City signing Yohan Benalouane has said that he rejected offers from both Inter and Roma and that he is happy to now be playing in the Premier League.
The Tunisian was a part of a defence that helped La Dea survive relegation last season with the Nerazzurri finishing 17th in Serie A.
“I am very pleased to discover another country,” a delighted Benalouane told Tuttomercatoweb.
“I am happy to have the opportunity to learn another language and I will experience new things and be very positive.”
The 28 year-old was also asked about clubs he could have previously joined saying he rejected an offer from Fulham two years ago.
“It’s true, I could already have been in London, but the deal came from Claudio Ranieri, he wanted to do it.
“The negotiation then went on between the clubs and I am here today.
“Inter? Yes, I had an offer. Also from Roma. I did not put any pressure on the club [Atalanta] as it happened in January and we were trying to avoid relegation.
“For me it was more important to help the team survive and then evaluate my options for the future. I did not want to end my relationship with Atalanta on a sour note.”
Finally Benalouane was quizzed about what challenges he may face in the Premier League.
“Here they mark man to man. I’ll have to deal with very strong strikers and to deal with them it is important they know you’re strong physically.
“The pace is very high. I will have to acclimatise quickly and adapt myself to this new league and way of playing.
“I’m a little behind with my fitness but if I play I will have no problems. I had started my pre-season with the Nerazzurri later, but I will try to give my all.”
