Areola admits turning down Champions League Rennes for Fulham chance | OneFootball

Fulham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola admits turning down a Champions League move with Rennes.

Areola is currently on-loan at Fulham from PSG. He had spent last season on-loan with Real Madrid, where he acted primarily as cover for No1 Thibaut Courtois.

After 12 months playing behind the Belgian, Areola admits finding a club where he knew he would be given the chance to perform regularly was the priority for this campaign.

Even with Rennes qualifying for the Champions League, Areola explained he couldn't consider the switch with no assurances regarding playing chances.

He told Canal+ via Le 10 Sport, "Why did I refuse Rennes for Fulham? There were discussions, but it was not clear. At one point, you had to be in your 'humble' head, start from behind to be able to bounce back better.

"Of course, coming out of Paris and Madrid, I certainly had opportunities, of the same calibre yes, but I needed this to be clear.

"Tell me: 'you play, it's you in the goal and now, we count on you'. That's all."

Areola also intimated his future with PSG could be over. The France international admits playing as a reserve to Costa Rica captain Keylor Navas is something he has no interest in.

"Come back to number 2 behind Keylor Navas at PSG? For me no, it was not at all possible, I lived it in Madrid. I knew I was coming in as number two. But it was Real Madrid."

Areola is on a season-long with the Cottagers from PSG, where he is contracted to 2023.

This season, Areola has made nine appearances for Fulham, conceding 15 goals. He also boasts two clean sheets so far.

- updated November 30