Tuesday Apr 01 2008 08:28
Birmingham City loan star Mauro Zarate has claimed that several other Premier League clubs were interested in bringing him to England, before he chose to join the Blues.
The 21-year-old Argentinian has impressed since arriving at St Andrew's for Al-Sadd in Qatar, netting two goals in the crucial 3-1 victory at home to Manchester City at the weekend.
Zarate said: "Birmingham were the first club to come in for me and the ones who pushed the hardest to get me out of there.
"Once I knew Birmingham wanted to sign me, I did my best to convince the Al-Sadd owners.
"There were other clubs interested just before I signed here. From England, there were Tottenham and Newcastle, but I am very happy with my choice. Maybe here I have the chance to play more regularly.
"I am here to make my mark and make people remember me. I will give my best to make sure that happens. English football is quick and physical, but that is not a problem for me.
"I knew the chance to come to Birmingham was very important. After speaking to Al-Sadd a few times and pushing them for a move to England, they agreed to let me go."
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