Former Spartak Moscow midfielder Pavel Yakovlev has admitted that he made a big mistake by not accepting the chance to join Chelsea early in his career.
Softfootball added that Yakovlev revealed that the Premier League club showed interest in him after he enjoyed a strong start to his senior career at Spartak Moscow.
Speaking on Comment. Show, the former midfielder explained that Chelsea’s interest was real, but he was advised to remain in Russia instead of moving to London.
According to Yakovlev, his agent confirmed at the time that Chelsea were serious about signing him. He also said Belgian side Genk and Dutch club PSV were interested in him.
However, those around him felt it was better for him to stay at Spartak, where he was already playing and could earn a good salary.
Yakovlev admitted that the decision looked sensible at the time because he was comfortable in Russia and had an opportunity to continue developing at Spartak.
Looking back now, however, he believes he should have taken the chance to move abroad.
The former midfielder said he regrets not testing himself in a different league when the opportunity came.
