Jesse Lingard Reveals Why He 'snubbed a Lot of Money' to Join Nottingham Forest

• Lingard revealed he had the option to chase ‘ a lot of money’ in Europe but chose to join Nottingham Forest
• The midfielder signed a one-year deal with the newly promoted club
• According to Lingard, it was the club owners approach to him for the transfer that was appealing

Jesse Lingard says the love from Nottingham Forest owners convinced him to join the newly-promoted club, despite interest from other top European clubs.

The 29-year old attacking midfielder left Manchester United on a free transfer after his contract ran out and was heavily tipped to join West Ham United.

However, in what was a surprise transfer twist for everyone, Lingard opted to join The Tricky Trees in a one-year deal.

Lingard told BBC Radio that it was Nottingham Forest’ approach that appealed the most to him.

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"I could have gone abroad for a lot of money but I want to stay in the Premier League.” He said.

"They wanted to come to my house and bring me to London in quick succession to try to get the deal done."

"The manager and owners have been great with me - they've shown the love and intent to get me to the club," added Lingard.

"When I see that sort of love, of course I am going to say yes, but it had to be the right deal for me and my family.

Lingard also believes the ‘project’ Nottingham Forest are building was worth exploring.

Nottingham Forest’s torturous time away from English top flight came to an end three months ago after beating Huddersfield 1-0 in a nervy playoff final.

It was a remarkable effort all round for Forest, who started the 2021/22 Championship campaign in the relegation zone alongside Derby County, and promotion seemed the least of their objectives.

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Their first game in English top flight will come on Saturday, August 6 against Newcastle United.

Antonio Conte on Tottenham's targets

Elsewhere, Tottenham boss Antonio Conte lightly declared the Premier League and Champions League should be the objectives for his side ahead of the new season.

The Italian was speaking ahead of his side’s opening Premier League game against Southampton on Saturday, August 6.

Conte took over at the North London club in November 2021 at a time when Spurs were in the bottom half of the table under Nuno Espirito Santo and somehow managed to guide the club to a fourth-place finish.