Share

Hulk: Why I said 'No' to Blues

Cape Town - Brazil star Hulk has opened up on why he snubbed the chance to move to Stamford Bridge or the Santiago Bernabeu.

Hulk feared being left on the bench at Chelsea according to Metro.

The 28-year-old Zenit St Petersburg attacking forward joined the Russian club three seasons ago in a move which raised more than a few eyebrows.

Between 2008 and 2012, Hulk was twice named the league's best player in Portugal.  

Why didn't the Brazilian join one of Europe's elite clubs? Hulk told Globo Esporte: "I know some clubs bring a lot of attention and hype on the ones playing for them, but my priority is being happy, and being happy means getting to be regularly on the pitch for me.

"Joining Chelsea or Real Madrid would make no sense for me, since I’d risk to be benched a lot there, and I know there will always be clubs interested in signing me."

Hulk has been capped over 40 times for Brazil and 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE