"He told me that Espanyol is a great club," 19-year-old says.
By JEREMY LASTben sahar 88(photo credit: )
Israeli striker Ben Sahar has credited national team captain Yossi Benayoun with helping him decide to move from London giant Chelsea to Spanish La Liga side Espanyol.
The 19-year-old was greeted by a throng of sports reporters when he arrived in Spain on Wednesday ahead of his official unveiling as an Espanyol player.
"I have spoken with many people about the Spanish league, especially with Yossi Benayoun. He told me that Espanyol is a great club," said Sahar, who only made three appearances for Chelsea's first team in the three years since moving from Hapoel Tel Aviv at the tender age of 16.
Liverpool star Benayoun is in a good position to advise Sahar on the Spanish League, having played at Racing Santaner for three years after leaving Maccabi Haifa in 2002.
Sahar spent most of his time at Chelsea on loan to other clubs, most recently at Dutch side De Graafschap where he scored five goals in 16 games despite seeing the team relegated from the Eredivisie last season.
"I had offers from other clubs," Sahar said, but he stressed that his dream was to play in Spain.
"I have always believed this is where I should be. I want to play in this league. Espanyol gave me a chance and hope to take it. I think it is a competition that suits my characteristics and I can do well."
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