Alvaro Arbeloa rejected AC Milan to join West Ham United

Alvaro Arbeloa has revealed that he rejected offers from AC Milan and Spanish clubs in order to join West Ham United.

The 33-year-old, whose previous Premier League experience was a two-season spell at Liverpool, signed a one-year deal with the Hammers on transfer deadline day last week.

The defender, who was available on a free transfer after leaving Real Madrid following a seven-year stint at the Bernabeu, has revealed that he was approached by a handful of clubs, but decided that West Ham was the right option.

"The conversations with AC Milan were at an advanced stage but the Chinese takeover of the [Italian] club complicated the deal," Arbeloa told Cadena Cope. "I took a decision not to continue with this option and fortunately, this offer [West Ham] came along.

"I had offers from Spain but I didn't want to wear any other shirt than that of Real Madrid in Spain so I opted to leave. The choice of West Ham, the club, the city, the coach and the fans, felt good in every way and here I am.

"I'm very happy, I am where I want to be and I'm looking forward to playing."

The Spaniard has also played for Deportivo La Coruna in his career.