In December, we covered several reports discussing Leeds United and Leicester City interest in Ibai Gomez in the winter market.
The 29-year-old was heavily linked with a move to England, while Athletic Club Bilbao were also keen on the winger.
Despite interest from the Foxes and the Championship side, he left Alaves and re-joined the Basque club in January, and in return handed a blow to the two English clubs.
Thursday’s edition of Spanish newspaper AS has gathered a few comments made by the player and this includes on interest from the English clusb.
Gomez revealed he was “close to” making a switch to England in the last transfer window as both Leicester and Leeds ‘wanted’ him.
“I had the opportunity to go in three places. It is something that attracted me a lot, it is a league that has made me think and open the possibility of being able to go,” he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
“It is something that attracted me. Now, with the decision I have made, it is very clear what I want to do. There has been a possibility and I have been close to being able to go.”
Mundo also reports that Gomez had a better economic offer from England, but he snubbed it to re-sign for Bilbao. He said, “When your team calls you, life changes everything.”
The Spaniard has already played under Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa when he was with the La Liga outfit.
Gomez gave an short insight on the Argentine manager’s methods of working and also revealed about his former coach’s fear of flying.
“I think Marcelo did not sleep, it is impossible to give him time to do so many things in 20 hours. He was afraid of airplanes,” Gomez said.