France Under-21 international Yohann Gouffran claims he rejected a move to Chelsea.
France Under-21 international Yohann Gouffran claims he rejected a move to Chelsea in the summer.The Caen youngster is regarded as one of the best talents in Europe after impressing for club and country over the last 12 months.
A number of top clubs have been keeping tabs on Gouffran with Chelsea hoping to lure him to Stamford Bridge.
The 20-year-old claims Chelsea made a firm bid for his services, but he decided to reject their overtures to continue his football education at Caen.
"Last season, a number of elite clubs have offered me a contract," Gouffran told skysports.com.
"But I wanted to stay for at least one more year, because Caen's project is interesting.
"The club's directors want to reach Ligue 1 next summer.
"If we fail, I will leave.
"In France, Auxerre, St Etienne and Monaco wanted to sign me.
"Chelsea also came with a concrete offer.
"But I wasn't interested.
"Just look at their policy - they buy so many stars, there is no place for me.
"They would have loaned me for a year, and I don't want that.
"If I leave, it is to invest myself in a real project. I need implication.
"Yes, my team-mate Ronald Zubar has left, joining Marseille.
"We have talked about that, I want to copy him, moving to a Ligue 1 side after one more season with Caen.
"I have a plan. First, I want to progress with Caen.
"Then, I will join a Ligue 1 side that will help me to grow. Not too big a team.
"I am scared of going too quickly."
Gouffran also revealed that he now models his game on Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo after being converted from a striker to a winger.
"The France Under-21 squad is a bench of youngsters full of talent and envy," added Gouffran.
"The state of mind is great, as we all have the same age.
"A few of us will certainly make the step into international football.
"My model use to be Thierry Henry, when I was a striker.
"But now, as I have become a right midfielder, I try to copy Cristiano Ronaldo's moves.
"I use their gestures during my matches."
