Jiranek reveals English dream

Jiranek: Needed new motivaton

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Martin Jiranek claims he snubbed several European clubs to sign for Birmingham and fulfil his Premier League dream.

Spartak Moscow sparked a flurry of interest in the Czech Republic international when they announced they were prepared to listen to offers for their 31-year-old skipper.

Among those believed to be targeting the experienced defender were Schalke, who have recently lured the likes of Raul and Klaas Jan Huntelaar to Germany.

But Jiranek insisted he had his heart set on England and on transfer deadline day he signed a one-year deal with the Blues, who paid an undisclosed fee.

"I had many offers," he told the Birmingham Mail.

English test

"Three from teams in Spain, one from Germany, one from Russia, but it was my dream to test myself in the Premier League, which is probably the best league in the world.

"I knew Birmingham finished ninth in the league last season, which is a great result. I was quite happy to join that kind of team."

Jiranek left his homeland for Italy in 2001 and helped Reggina gain promotion to Serie A and then stay in the top flight.

A move to Spartak followed and Jiranek soon established himself as a lynchpin in defence but he felt the time had come to move on.

"It's a new challenge for me," he said.

"In Russia, I was there seven years as captain of Spartak Moscow and played in the Champions League, Uefa Cup and Russian League, so every part of the grass was already well known. New motivation was needed."