Claude Makelele has revealed he considered leaving Chelsea this summer to join PSG.
Frenchman considered PSG offer
Claude Makelele has revealed he considered leaving Chelsea this summer to join Paris Saint Germain.
The midfielder recently put pen-to-paper on a one-year contract extension which keeps him at Stamford Bridge until 2009.
Makelele's future had been the subject of speculation and the 34-year-old admits he had the option to finish his career in France.
However, the former Real Madrid man is happy to be staying at Chelsea, where he has spent the past four years.
"There was a willing from the coaches, the chairman, the sporting director and myself to extend at Chelsea," Makelele told L'Equipe.
"I could have left. I really thought about joining PSG. Returning to France, playing in Paris, it was a real possibility among others.
"But I don't want to talk about it due to my respect for Chelsea."
France role
Makelele has rejected any retirement talk and is planning to play on for France ahead of the European Championship.
He believes a reduced role with Chelsea this season will help him continue to perform on the international stage.
"The French team gives me happiness, The Blues give me happiness. Why should I refuse happiness?" Makelele added.
"There will not be any problems with Chelsea for a long time. Everything will go off smoothly this season.
"We have a big squad at Chelsea which will allow me to have some rest and give me energy for the French team, which is important to me."
