Bayer Leverkusen forward Andre Schurrle admits he was excited by the interest shown in him by reigning Champions League winners Chelsea.

 

However, the player will seemingly have to stay at Leverkusen for another year after the club’s high asking price was not matched by the Blues.

 

Schurrle was a part of the German squad that played at Euro 2012. His excellent performances last season brought him into the limelight as he established himself as a regular at Werkself after moving from Mainz; the 21-year-old played 31 games in the Bundesliga and contributed seven goals.

 

His displays last season have evoked the interest of a number of top European clubs this summer, however, only Chelsea sent a concrete bid for the Germany international.

 

Schurrle has now taken the opportunity to speak out about his interest in joining a side such as Chelsea, and said that opportunities of that magnitude are difficult to find, clearly showing his disappointment that a deal could not be agreed between the two teams.

 

“I do not think you will find a single Bundesliga player who is not interested. Chelsea interests me a lot. Such an opportunity does not present itself all the time in your life”, stated the German international to German magazine Kicker.

 

But the forward is now worried that talking about a move away from the Werkself will not stand him in good stead with the fans and believes his performances will be scrutinised to see if he is giving 100% on the pitch.

 

“I guess the fans will see me in another light [after my statement]”, said the 21-year-old. “If I play a couple of bad games now, the fans will get on my back."

 

Schurrle knows that he will have to extend his stay in Germany for at least another year and continue his consistent performances on the pitch at the BayArena. Chelsea have now cooled their interest in him after his current employers rejected a bid in excess of €25M earlier this summer.

 

Latest Features: