AC Milan legend Clarence Seedorf reveals dream to play in England but turned down Premier League offers this summer

Clarence Seedorf, Milan

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By Greg Stobart

AC Milan legend Clarence Seedorf has revealed his “dream” of playing in England and says he turned down offers from Premier League clubs this summer.

The veteran Dutch midfielder ended speculation over his future by signing a one-year contract extension in May, which will keep him at San Siro until June 2012.

Seedorf, 35, chose to stay at AC Milan despite rival offers from Premier League clubs, believed to include Manchester City, but he admits he still hopes to play in England one day.

“I think there were various clubs interested in me because of my situation,” Seedorf told Goal.com. “I was at the end of my contract so I had a lot of proposals including some from England.

“It’s always been a dream in my long career to also play in the Premier League. It’s never happened. Why? I don’t know.

“I enjoy very much English football, the whole atmosphere and the crowd. It would be fantastic to be able to live the dream.

“England, Spain and Italy is what it’s all about. The atmosphere in England is an example for everyone at the moment.

“I’ve said before that not everyone can have everything in life. Sometimes you have to enjoy things from a distance rather than personally.”

Seedorf, who is famed for winning the Champions League four times with three different clubs in his glittering career, is heading into his 10th season with AC Milan after mainly playing in a deep-lying role as Massimiliano Allegri’s side won Serie A last season.

The former Real Madrid and Ajax star insists retirement is the furthest thing from his mind and believes he has the ability and the motivation to continue to thrive at the top level.

Seedorf added: “Until you see me stop playing, I will have the drive. Don’t have any doubt about that.

“I feel fit, I am fit, I’m mentally motivated, I don’t drink or smoke. I look after myself so that should pay off now in the next few years.

“For me it’s about being motivated, preparing your body and your mind, finding a reason to wake up in the morning and loving it. That’s what being a sportsman is all about.

“When you have the heart, it never dies. The physical and the mental aspect of it can make a champion. Someone without those characteristics can be cut off from being a champion.

“If I look back at my year, I think I had a very good season, even if the coach did not use me consistently the whole season.

“I played in a deeper role for part of the season but I also played behind the strikers for seven straight games around October and we won all seven.”

Clarence Seedorf was speaking to support the Heineken Star Player game. Star Player is an interactive game available on mobile and online that enhances fans’ match viewing experience by challenging them to anticipate what will happen at key moments in Champions League games.

Star Player competitors can earn points to brag to their friends and win awesome prizes. Go to iTunes or Facebook to play the game.