Former Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has confirmed that he snubbed a move to West Bromwich Albion before completing his Bosman switch to Marseille this week.
The 29-year-old returned to his native France after being released by the Gunners following an injury-plagued nine years in North London.
Diaby, who made just two first-team appearances over the last two years, revealed that he was in "very advanced talks" with the Baggies, but opted for a return to Ligue 1.
"It was knowing which club would help me the best medically. That was my real priority," he told RMC Sport.
"I had other contacts. I had very, very advanced talks with West Brom. But I found Marseille was better. I thought: why not come back to France?
"I don't want to draw emotional conclusions. The reality is different. I haven't played for two years. I need to rebuild myself, to put myself in a good place to play football again. "It wasn't an easy choice, but it was my choice."
It was reported that the France international also rejected the chance to join Liverpool.
He joined Arsenal in January 2006, but suffered the first in a series of long-term ankle injuries in the following May during a 3-0 win at Sunderland.
Diaby reportedly went on to suffer a further 36 separate injuries, limiting him to 125 Premier League outings in nine years.
Shane Callaghan
