Monaco full back Patrice Evra claims Manchester United, Barcelona, Juventus, Internazionale and Milan all contacted him over the summer.
The highly-rated defender helped the Principality outfit reach the UEFA Champions League final last season and his performances did not go unnoticed by European football´s elite.
Instead of accepting the lure of a fresh challenge, the France international has decided to sign a new contract with Didier Deschamps´s men, although he could still depart in 2005.
" I have signed for another season," he told France Football. " A few days ago.
" So I am under contract until 2008.
" The club has behaved very well to me. I got what I wanted.
" I know the officials won´t prevent me from leaving if I get a big offer next season.
" Several clubs are already candidates.
" Notably, Internazionale wanted to have an option on me, but I refused.
" In all honesty, I was thinking of leaving in my mind. I had several contacts from prestigious clubs like Manchester United, Barcelona, Juventus and Milan.
" But, finally, the clubs gave up their interest.
" Along with my agent, we were surprised at first.
" We knew then that Monaco didn´t want to sell and the club perhaps asked too much money for my transfer.
" Juventus even proposed €10 million to ASM last winter.
" Now a lot of players of my age would love to play at Monaco. It is an honour to be here."