Ruud van Nistelrooy claims Chelsea wanted to sign him in January & reveals he could return to Premier League

Bundesliga: Hamburger SV – Borussia Dortmund, Ruud van Nistelrooy (Getty Images)

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Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed that Chelsea and AC Milan were interested in signing him from Hamburg in the January transfer window.

The experienced striker appeared to be on his way to Real Madrid last winter, but Hamburg eventually refused to sanction the move.

Van Nistelrooy was quoted as saying by Spits: “Real Madrid were not the only ones who tried to sign me. AC Milan also attempted to lure me to Italy as they were looking for a replacement for the injured Filippo Inzaghi.

“Chelsea also approached me to discuss a possible transfer, but I really did not want to leave HSV, until the one club that I was willing to make an exception for [Real Madrid) came up.”

Van Nistelrooy, whose contract expires in the summer, also confirmed that he could return to the Premier League, but insists he is not interested in rejoining SV.

He added: “I promised in 1998 that I would return to the club, but I have changed my mind. I simply do not want to play in Netherlands any more. Perhaps England is still an option, but Spain is more likely.”