New Paris Saint-Germain attacker Hatem Ben Arfa has claimed that he was "10 minutes away from signing for Sevilla" in this summer's transfer window.
The 29-year-old had been linked with a number of European clubs after deciding to leave Nice on a free transfer and it was thought that Sevilla had won the race for the Frenchman.
However, on Friday, PSG announced the signing of the former Newcastle United attacker, who has joined new PSG boss Unai Emery, formerly of Sevilla, in France.
"It's a long story, but in short I was 10 minutes away from signing for Sevilla. Moments before my move to Spain, I spoke with Paris Saint-Germain, who told me to wait, think and that they really wanted me," Ben Arfa told reporters.
"It really was a last-minute thing. I went to Seville and was very close to signing for the club, yet I find myself at Paris Saint-Germain. It's fate, it was written! I had the opportunity to speak to [Emery]. It went very well. He already speaks some French, so it's fine!"
Ben Arfa scored 18 times in 35 appearances for Nice last season.
Matt Law
