Jean Michael Seri reveals why he snubbed bigger clubs for Fulham

Jean Michael Seri moved to Fulham after interest from several big sides

The Ivory Coast international moved to Craven Cottage for around £25m in the summer on a four-year deal.

Seri was linked with a move to Barcelona in 2017 with club legend Xavi once remarking that he 'has Barca DNA'.

The 27-year-old also attracted interest from other big clubs around Europe including Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham, as well as the Reds.

But despite interest from the big boys, Seri insists Fulham was the only place he ever wanted to go.

Seri told The Times: "When I played for Pacos de Ferreira in Portugal, Nice came for me and they really came. Fulham wanted me the same way.

"They said, 'We want you, come to Fulham.' Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool, they saw me but they didn't say, 'We want you.'

"Because Fulham gave me this respect, although other clubs wanted me, I wanted to sign for Fulham.

"Fulham said to my president: 'We want Mika Seri, talk to him if he's interested because we know Chelsea, Manchester want him and he almost signed for Barcelona but we are back in the Premier League.'

"My president calls me, he says, 'Fulham want you, do you want to go?' I say, 'If they want me, they respect me.' The big clubs want me but Fulham show they want me."

Seri has hit the ground running this season, starting all four of Fulham's opening fixtures in the Premier League.

After scoring a wondergoal in the win over Burnley he brilliantly assisted Andre Schurrle with a chipped pass against Brighton.

The Cottagers spent big in the summer as they attempt to avoid dropping straight back into the Championship after one season.

But after bringing in the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic, Alfie Mawson, Andre Schurrle and Luciano Vietto, along with Seri, expectations have increased at the club and avoiding relegation is now a minimum requirement among fans.

Liverpool also spent big in the summer, bringing in almost £180m of talent as they look to mount a title challenge.

Manager Jurgen Klopp added much-needed strength in midfield by bringing in two players in the mould of Seri.

Midfield generals Fabinho and Naby Keita were signed for close to £90m with the aim to compliment the famed front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

We may never know whether Seri would have been a success at Anfield.