CRYSTAL Palace striker Marouane Chamakh has revealed he turned down offers from "three or four" other Premier League clubs before signing a two-year deal at Selhurst Park.
The Moroccan's contract ran out at the end of June but the both parties continued to negotiate a deal.
And the former Arsenal man, who flourished under boss Tony Pulis last season, can clearly see something special is being built in SE25 – and he wants to be part of it.
"I had many other offers, including three or four from other teams in England, but I really wanted to stay with Crystal Palace," Chamakh told www.cpfc.co.uk at the club's training base in Austria.
"I said before, my first choice was always to stay here, that's why I was waiting to sign for the club.
"I could have signed for another team months ago, but I did not want that because I'm really happy here.
"I really like the atmosphere around the place and I enjoy working with the players."
"I enjoyed myself more last season than I have for a long time because I feel good around the players and the new staff. I am so happy to continue being a part of that group. I really wanted that."
"We had a good season last year and we will do everything we can to do the same again this season for everybody – for us and for the fans."
