Schurrle admits interest in Chelsea move

Bayer Leverkusen forward Andre Schurrle admits it would have been hard to turn Chelsea down if the Bundesliga side had accepted an offer from the Blues for his services.

Leverkusen turned down Chelsea's offer for the Germany international as they felt they would not be able to find a suitable replacement.

"I don't think you would find any player in the Bundesliga who would say that they would not at all be interested," Schurrle said. "Chelsea would have been very interesting for me. You don't get a chance like that very often in your life."

However, the 21-year-old, who only joined Leverkusen a year ago from Mainz, respects the club's decision, and says he will continue to give his all next season.

"Rudi Voller [Director of sport] has explained the reasoning to me several times," the German international told Kicker magazine. "They could not find a suitable replacement and I am too important to Bayer."

It was reported that Chelsea offered £17million for Schurrle - that's how keen Roberto Di Matteo was to bring the talented striker to Stamford Bridge - and they could still make a renewed £20million attempt to secure his signature before the close of the transfer window next month.

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