AS Roma star Daniele de Rossi admits he was tempted by Premier League interest before committing to a new contract.

The Italy international had been strongly linked with a move to the Barclays Premier League, with Manchester City reportedly keen to sign him.

Manchester United and Chelsea were also keep a close eye on De Rossi's situation.

"The negotiations have been lengthy and I cannot deny that I had doubts," De Rossi said. "I thought of many things, of alternatives and I spoke to many people during this time.

"I wanted to stay only if I was welcomed by the fans. Last year I saw the love from the fans towards me diminish and the fact that some of them questioned my strength as a player made me think of seeking alternatives.

"There was also the thought of ambition, the idea of playing somewhere else, to face the top teams in the world, not that we don't have that possibility here. Those things fascinated me and I did speak to other clubs. I was very tempted to see if I had the strength to play elsewhere.

"But in the end I made a choice not just of the heart but of the head. I have not remained here just to be a tourist in Rome and see the Coliseum. I believe a lot in this new project."