Publications
Partners
Cape Town - New West Ham signing Alvaro Arbeloa says he opted for a return to the Premier League over AC Milan or to remain in Spain.
The 33-year-old full-back was released by Real Madrid at the end of last season after making 233 appearances for his boyhood club following his switch from Liverpool in 2009, and he admits his loyalty prevented a stay in La Liga.
"I had several offers from Spain, but there I could only wear the shirt of Real Madrid," Arbeloa told Cadena Cope.
"There were advanced talks with AC Milan, but then West Ham's offer came in and it was a quick process.
"The Premier League is a very tight competition and that's why I was so eager to move back to it."
The former Spain international made 66 appearances in two and a half years with the Reds before he rejoined Los Blancos, where his professional career began in 2002.
