Chelsea: Japanese striker Yoshinori Muto reveals reason for rejecting Blues offer

Yoshinori Muto has revealed that he snubbed a chance to join Chelsea as the striker felt he was not ready to make a switch to the Premier League.

The 22-year-old agreed to join German club Mainz from FC Tokyo on a four year deal in May. Before completing a move to the Bundesliga outfit, he was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

FC Tokyo president confirmed Jose Mourinho's side were interested in securing the services of Muto. He earlier revealed that Mainz showed the desire to sign him and also admitted that German club are more at a more realistic level for him.

"The Premier League is a great league, but I'm not ready to play for Chelsea yet. I don't want to hurry myself and want to develop steadily," Muto explained, as quoted by the Evening Standard.

Didier Drogba left Chelsea after winning the Premier League in the 2014/15 season. He was replaced by Radamel Falcao after the Colombian international joined the Blues on a season-long loan deal from AS Monaco.

The Japanese striker also went to say his compatriot and former Mainz striker Shinji Okazaki convinced him to sign for the German outfit. Muto also remains hopeful he will be able to adjust quickly to the new style of play in Germany as he has set his sights on becoming a world-class striker.

"I felt my decision to join this club was right. I've heard (from Okazaki) the club is loved by supporters and the team is comprised of wonderful members. He told me to give it my all," the Japanese striker said.

"I'll try to integrate into the team as soon as I can and will do my best for Mainz. The German first division is one of the best leagues in the world. I can face remarkable players from across the globe and it will help me develop,"

"I want to perform and become a world-class player, and performing in Germany is the fastest path," he added.