10 Footballers Who Rejected Chelsea

Though Germany would be denied a fourth World Cup win in 2010 after bowing out in the semi-finals to eventual winners Spain, the country had shown off a wealth of young talent with none more coveted than the eventual young player of the tournament winner Thomas Muller.

At just 21, Muller went from a fringe squad player to a bonafide national hero over the course of the tournament, bagging five goals and three assists.

After his impressive performances, Europe's elite clubs were practically lining up attempting to sign the forward following the tournament, with Chelsea tipped by many to be the team to secure the German's signature.

Despite the interest, Muller opted not to leave his native country, later explaining that he felt like he was too young to make such a momentous move, while also noting that he wanted to continue to develop on the pitch and was unsure if he would be guaranteed a place in the starting XI at Stamford Bridge.