“I had tempting offers” – Alireza Jahanbakhsh

Tehran Times – NIJMEGEN, Iranian international winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh says that he has had tempting offers from the several teams but preferred to join AZ Alkmaar.

Jahanbakhsh joined Dutch club AZ Alkmaar on a five-year contract on Tuesday.

He was voted the best player of the 2014-15 Jupiler League in May after an impressive season with NEC Nijmegen in the Dutch second division.

Jahanbakhsh had already been linked with FC Groningen, Heerenveen, Club Brugge, Standard Liege, Norwich City and Celtic.

“It was not an easy decision to make because I had several tempting offers; however I am happy to join AZ Alkmaar since the team will play in Europa League,” Jahanbakhsh said.

“I want to thank NEC Nijmegen’s officials since I had two wonderful years in the team,” the 21-year-old winger added.