Djibril Cisse has revealed that he turned down a financially lucrative bid from China in order to join Lazio this summer.
"I received various offers," the striker told France Football. "The Chinese champions Guangzhou Evergrande offered me €20m for two and a half years…
Djibril Cisse has revealed that he turned down a financially lucrative bid from China in order to join Lazio this summer.
"I received various offers," the striker told France Football. "The Chinese champions Guangzhou Evergrande offered me €20m for two and a half years…
"I opted to refuse it, though, as I still wanted to have a chance of playing for the French national side again.
"I didn't want to go and play my football in a country so far away."
The former Liverpool striker opted for a switch to Serie A instead after impressing in Greece with Panathinaikos.
"I'm a better player now than I was in the past," he continued. "I may have lost a little in terms of pace, but my positional sense is better.
"As long as I am playing football, I'll always believe that I can play for the national side."
The 30-year-old has scored nine times in 40 appearances for his country.
Cisse has appeared in all five of Lazio's Serie A games so far this season. He scored on his debut in the 2-2 draw with Milan.