YOUSSOUF FOFANA has explained why he decided to snub a summer move to the Premier League.
The Monaco midfielder has been linked with Manchester United in the past.
While no concrete offer came from the Red Devils in the summer, Fofana did receive opportunities to move to Nottingham Forest or Fulham.
Monaco were willing to accept a bid, only for Fofana to decline both potential switches.
Explaining why, the 24-year-old pulled no punches, telling Canal Plus: "I want to go to a place where I can continue to be selected for France.
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"If you’re choosing between Nottingham Forest, Fulham and AS Monaco, naturally, I’m staying at Monaco."
Fofana has earned 11 France caps to date and appeared in six of Les Bleus' seven matches at last year's World Cup, including the final.
The midfielder has started all seven of Monaco's matches this season, even captaining them in their recent clash with Nice.
Adi Hutter's side have had a dream start to the season and currently occupy top spot in Ligue 1.
On remaining at Monaco, Fofana added: "Sincerely, I was between staying and leaving.
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"I’ve always said I have no problem with staying, especially at a club like Monaco, who are always competing at the top.
"I have personal expectations and objectives. Maybe a departure wasn’t the best thing for me.
"I am very, very happy to have stayed and to have this status in this team."
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Fofana joined Monaco from Strasbourg in 2020.
The 6ft 1in ace has since made 147 appearances for Les Monegasques.
