Roma’s Manchester United target Mehdi Benatia reveals he rejected a three-year deal from Chelsea

Medhi Benatia # 17 of AS Roma in action during the Serie A match between Bologna FC and AS Roma

Roma defender Mehdi Benatia has revealed that he turned down a three year contract at Cheslea earlier in his career as he felt that he was “not ready” to move to Stamford Bridge.

The Moroccan has been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, having impressed in Serie A this season ,but has told beIN Sports that he turned down a previous opportunity to move to the Premier League.

“I did a test of three or four days in London. I lived with Didier Drogba and Claude Makelele,” the 27-year old said.

“They were a great team but I did not feel ready to go. I was offered a three-year contract but I was fine at Marseille and the idea of moving abroad scared me.”

Having turned down the chance of a move to Chelsea, Benatia instead stayed at Marseille before moving to Roma. He has played 30 times in Serie A this season, scoring five goals, and has made 205 clearances.

Such form has prompted links with Manchester United for Benatia, who are sure to be in for a busy summer in spite of the uncertainty over their manager for next season.