Everton defender Ramiro Funes Mori has revealed he nearly joined Chelsea a few years ago, but failed to get a work permit.
The Argentina international completed a £9.7 million move to Merseyside from River Plate on Sept. 1, and made his debut for the club against Chelsea, coming on as a substitute during Saturday's 3-1 Premier League victory over the defending champions.
Funes Mori could have ended up at Stamford Bridge, as he and brother Rogelio -- now a striker with Mexican club Monterrey -- had a trial with the London club.
The 24-year-old told the Daily Express: "It can be said that it's my second spell at England -- I had a trial for Chelsea a few years ago alongside with my twin brother.
"We stayed at Chelsea for two weeks but had to leave because we didn't have an European passport.
"Well, I still don't have a European passport but Everton truly wanted me. So now I hope to be ready and get used to playing in the Premier League as soon as possible."
Everton had to battle to get a work permit for Funes Mori, who signed a five-year contract on his arrival at the club.
At the time that manager Roberto Martinez was trying to secure the deal, the centre-back had played only once for his country -- although he has since won two more caps.
He needed to have played in at least 30 percent of Argentina's matches over the last two years to gain a work permit automatically.
However, new UK Home Office rules allow a club to appeal to an Exceptions Panel, which can grant a permit according to a points system that takes into account the size of the transfer fee, the players' wages and his success at club level.
Funes Mori's winning of the Copa Libertadores with River Plate in early August counted in his favour as Everton fought to push the deal through.
He said: "I'm extremely happy to be here at Everton. This is a new adventure for me.
"Since I landed in Liverpool, Everton fans have showed me all their love even though they had not heard about me before.
"I'm so convinced about having moved to Everton. It's true that Villarreal were after me too, but I didn't even hesitate when Everton called me. Martinez told me that he trusts me."