Ugo Monye has revealed he turned down a big-money move to Racing Metro last summer to stay with Harlequins.
Quins winger turned down double-money offer from Racing
Ugo Monye has revealed he turned down a big-money move to Racing Metro last summer to stay with Harlequins.
The former England winger said he wanted to stay at Quins for 'moments like tomorrow', when they take on Stade Francais in the Amlin Challenge Cup final in Cardiff.
Victroy on Friday would see Harlequins secure their first piece of silverware since 2004 and qualification for the Heineken Cup.
And after finished a disappointing seventh in the Aviva Premiership Monye is keen to end the season n a high note.
"I was seriously tempted to go to France," he said. "But this is my ninth season at Harlequins and I felt my work here was not done. I stayed for moments like tomorrow.
"I have only won one major trophy and I didn't want to leave and look back in five years and think I'd had nine good years but I hadn't achieved that much.
Massive opportunity
"I knew the potential of the boys, I knew where this team was going and I wanted to be around.
"This is a real opportunity for us to do something special and it shows I made the right decision.
"Everyone is so excited. It doesn't feel like a long season when you have got a final to look forward to.
"It is a massive opportunity for us to get into the Heineken Cup for next season and, most importantly, to get a trophy in the cabinet."
Monye, who last appeared for England in March 2010, knows that the European stage will be the perfect place to force his way back onto Martin Johnson's radar.
Since he slipped out of Johnson's 32-man senior squad, Chris Ashton has established himself in the team.
And, with David Strettle playing the role of understudy during England's RBS 6 Nations title, triumph, the 28-year-old admitted he was envious.
Envious
"I have been a little bit envious watching England and Chris Ashton in particular," he continued.
"I'm genuinely glad for him. Now it's down to me to get back in the squad and challenge for a place
"For all the guys here who want to go to a World Cup this is a huge game to stand up and perform in.
"Going to Munster and winning in the semi-finals was huge and I thought I played well then - but this is bigger. It is a cup final.
"When you look at the number of internationals on the pitch the intensity will be akin to a Test match.
"I feel I am playing well at the moment. It is great to be part of a final and if I can capitalise on that and play well then hopefully I can ask some questions of the England coaches."
