Fulham record signing Steve Marlet has revealed he turned down the club last year.
Manager Jean Tigana approached Marlet when Fulham were in Division One – a factor which made Marlet refuse the move to Craven Cottage.
He said: “I wanted to play in the Champions League and for France, and if I went to Fulham last year I wouldn’t have had the exposure.
“Then Jean Tigana came back to me last summer, and showed me what Fulham have done. He said ‘I told you so’ and I was convinced.”
Marlet also said he hopes his new club can get into Europe next year. He said: “Somewhere between 10 and five would be a good finish for us, but I think we can go into Europe next year.”
Although Fulham have paid over £30 million bringing in new talent over the summer, including 11.5 million for Marlet, chairman Mohamed Fayed insisted he has not finished buying yet.
He said: “I will continue to bring in top players. I know Fulham can be a global brand, and I won’t stop until we are as big as Manchester United.
“I know Jean Tigana can fulfil my dream of having the best team in the Premiership.
“We also have players coming through the academy. I have made big investments in my academy players, and I am certain we will produce the next David Beckham or Michael Owen.”
