22 year old Japanese striker Yoshinori Muto has claimed that he rejected English Premier League champions Chelsea because he thought he is not ready to step up to the Premier League yet.
The 22-year-old agreed to join Bundesliga side Mainz on a four year deal but was linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge prior to the deal.
FC Tokyo’s president Naoki Ogane confirmed Jose Mourinho’s interest in April, saying a ‘formal offer’ had been submitted.
However, the forward claims he opted to turn down a move to Chelsea because he didn’t want to rush his development.
He said: “The Premier League is a great league, but I’m not ready to play for Chelsea yet. I don’t want to hurry myself and want to develop steadily.
The Japan international also said his compatriot and former Mainz striker Shinji Okazaki played a part in convincing him to sign for Mainz.
He also added: “I felt my decision to join this club was right. I’ve heard (from Okazaki) the club is loved by supporters and the team is comprised of wonderful members. He told me to give it my all.
“The German first division is one of the best leagues in the world. I can face remarkable players from across the globe and it will help me develop,”
“I want to perform and become a world-class player, and performing in Germany is the fastest path.”
The young striker made 59 appearances for Football Club Tokyo in all competitions and scored a total of 26 goals.
He has 11 international caps to his name and scored one goal.
Muto will replace Shinji Okazaki at Mainz who left to join Leicester City this summer.