Real Betis winger Joaquin recently admitted that he turned down a major opportunity in the Premier League back in 2004.
According to the Daily Express, the Spanish international was offered a chance to play for Chelsea, but he snubbed them.
“I had more than one chance to do it. I lost a significant opportunity, economically and sporting wise, to win titles or of being a much more important player,” Joaquin said.
“I know that but I don’t regret it. My happiness at the time was not there, that’s why I stayed.”
Current Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was serving his first stint with the Blues at the time, and he flew to Spain to personally talk to Joaquin.
Mourinho left Chelsea in 2007, but he later returned for a second stint in 2013 and led the Blues to their third Premier League title under his watch.
Although the 34-year-old winger wanted to stay in Spain at the time, he now realises that he would have likely made more money at Stamford Bridge.
Joaquin has since returned to Betis after spending two seasons with Fiorentina. He began his career with Betis and played there for five seasons before transferring to Valencia.
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