Saudi striker Al Qahtani turns down City move

Asian Player of the Year Yasser Al Qahtani is seen here during a Saudi Arabia team training session in Jakarta in July 2007. Al Qahtani has revealed he has turned down an offer to join English Premier League club Manchester City.

Asian Player of the Year Yasser Al Qahtani revealed he has turned down an offer to join English Premier League club Manchester City.

The Saudi Arabia striker had been on trial with Sven-Goran Eriksson's side but has opted to stay in his home country with Al Hilal.

"I had a successful trial with Manchester City and I was given great praise from everyone there including coach Sven-Goran Eriksson," said 25-year-old Al Qahtani.

"We had reached an agreement but there were some issues in the contract that were not resolved.

"However, the reason I rejected the offer was not due to financial reasons but because I feel Al Hilal need me too much this season."

Al Qahtani insisted he still has ambitions to play in Europe in the near future.

He added: "I'm still looking to play in Europe and the situation could be different at the start of next season.

"I still have some offers and I will discuss them with the administration and I'm sure that I can succeed in Europe."