Djibril Cisse reveals that he rejected several offers from English clubs before joining Sunderland.
Sunderland striker explains reasons for joining the Black Cats
Sunderland striker Djibril Cisse has revealed that he rejected several offers from English clubs before joining the Black Cats on loan.
The 27-year-old spent two seasons at Liverpool before moving to Marseille where he scored 22 goals in all competitions last season.
Cisse admits that Bolton, Manchester City, West Ham and Portsmouth were all interested in the services of the Frenchman last term.
Interest
But the striker insists he will never forget his time with Marseille or Liverpool and reveals that his Liverpool tattoo is dedicated to his former club.
"When I came to Sunderland I realised people have not forgotten Djibril Cisse," he told
L'Equipe.
"I could not believe it. To understand my choice to have joined Sunderland you must have some English football culture.
Culture
"About the atmosphere, it is not Anfield, but it is so much noisier. But we must be clear, I never give up L'OM (Marseille), as I never gave up The Reds.
"At Liverpool, Rafael Benitez asked me to leave. So I left. I have a tattoo dedicated to Liverpool, five stars for the five Reds' Champions League wins, notably the one I have won against Milan in 2005.
"I will never split with Le Championnat. The proof is last season I refused Bolton, Manchester City, West Ham and Portsmouth. I was fine in France at L'OM."
