Lassana Diarra has claimed Manchester City were interested in securing his services before he agreed a move to Real Madrid.
The midfielder passed a medical with Real on Monday to pave the way for the completion of his transfer from Portsmouth, for a reported fee of £20million.
City boss Mark Hughes previously intimated at a potential bid for 23-year-old Diarra, and the Frenchman has confirmed he received a lucrative offer from Eastlands.
He told L'Equipe: "Were Manchester City keen to sign me? Yes, indeed.
"On a financial level, I would have earned a lot more. I love the Premier League, but Real are very attractive. I believe I have earned respect."
The former Chelsea and Arsenal enforcer also spoke of his time in England's top flight, while explaining that Real's advances were too good to refuse amid a testing time at Fratton Park.
He said: "I was in England for five years, and I have learnt a lot of things there. I became very attached to the Premier League.
"You can't leave it that easily. But Real came, and I was their priority. That makes you think. It is an honour.
"Portsmouth have some trouble. The club is to sell. I also read a lot of rubbish during the last days. I read I disappeared for three days. That is not true. I was in training."
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