Nicolas Anelka claims he turned down the opportunity to take in a third spell at Paris St Germain before agreeing a lucrative deal with Shanghai Shenhua.
The former France international began his career on the books of PSG, before going on to make a name for himself at Arsenal.
He returned to Parc des Princes in 2000 following a largely frustrating spell at Real Madrid, but lasted just two years before he was on the move again - this time to Manchester City.
His career has taken him to Fenerbahce, Bolton and Chelsea since then, but he has never ventured outside of Europe.
An opportunity to do just that presented itself at the turn of the year, with Chinese outfit Shanghai Shenhua offering him a route out of Stamford Bridge.
Anelka was delighted to accept their proposal and says he snubbed an approach from PSG in order to make a move to the Far East.
"I was contacted by an intermediary of Qatar Investment Authority," he told Canal+.
"I did not want to go to PSG because I have already played there.
"I know the French mentality. The people there would have worn me out. It did not interest me."
Anelka is now planning to bring the curtain down on his career in China, with Shanghai Shenhua intended to be his last club.
"Shanghai is Asia's New York. I love the way they live," he added.
"This is my last contract."
