Borja Iglesias was heavily monitored by West Ham United in the summer alongside Maxi Gomez, but when an approach was made he decided to move from Espanyol to Real Betis instead.
It was ultimately a blessing for West Ham, who signed Eintracht Frankfurt striker Sebastien Haller instead, but it was one of a few unsuccessful deals.
Speaking to Estadio Deportivo, cited by This Is Futbol, Iglesias explained why he chose to reject East London for Betis.
When you face a possible transfer, you value many things. To me the idea of playing before 50,000 people motivated me a lot, at the team level I think I have improved although in Espanyol it was also good. I have always said that I like the Premier League but I liked the project, and I am very happy.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
Iglesias has only managed one La Liga goal for Betis so far this season as the club dwells in 17th-place, just four points above the relegation zone.
Valued at £25million, West Ham may have serious dodged a bullet, especially with the arrival of Haller on the back of a terrific season at Frankfurt.
Haller must start finding the net with more regularity sooner rather than later though, after falling stale at the Hammers in recent weeks.
A first outing against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday presents the perfect opportunity to do so.
