Raul Jimenez has told the Mexican media that he has turned approaches from clubs in Mexico, the United States and Saudi Arabia because he wants to stay at Fulham beyond this summer.

The Mexican international’s contract expires at the end of June but the Whites have an option to extend the deal by a further twelve months. Jimenez has already spoken of his desire to remain in SW6 and told TUDN’s Faitelson sin censura this weekend:

“There have been talks with several teams in Mexico, MLS, and also in Saudi Arabia. I’ve been in contact with certain teams, but what I’ve told them is my contract ends in the summer, but what I’m looking for is to stay in Europe [with Fulham]. I’m not thinking about returning to Mexico, MLS, or Saudi Arabia right now. It is something that could happen [in the future] but it is not my main plan. It is better for me to play at the highest level for as long as I can. I want to continue helping my team [Fulham] and the Mexican national team [in the run-up to the World Cup].

The 34 year-old, who has scored twelve goals and created three more during his forty appearances for Fulham in all competitions this season, hailed the quality of the Premier League and insisted he was still up for the challenge of battling with Rodrigo Muniz to be Marco Silva’s first choice centre forward next season.

“I think the most difficult thing is … [being ready for] every game [in England]. There’s no game here where you say, ‘It’s going to be easy. We’ll relax this weekend because it’s easy’. We’ve experienced it. We can play against the team in first place and beat Liverpool 3-2 this season and then face one of teams in the relegation places and lose the game. It’s a very demanding, very competitive league, and it always demands the best from you. I’m capable of doing it and becoming that player. Now I’m at a more mature age, which helps me understand things better and enjoy my football more.”