Emmanuel Petit held talks with Arsenal in the summer over a return to Highbury but decided that a fresh challenge at Chelsea was the best option.
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Petit joined the Spanish giants from Arsenal in a deal which also saw Marc Overmars move to the Nou Camp, but he suffered a torrid time and was seldom played by coach Llorenc Serra Ferrer.
This led to the 30-year-old seeking a return to English football and sparked a frenzy of interest in the player from Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.
Petit, though, turned his back on the chance to return to Highbury or a switch to Old Trafford - preferring instead to join Claudio Ranieri's new-look Chelsea.
He said: "The approach by Chelsea was quick and more determined and the challenge there was more motivating for me.
"As for Arsenal, I had discussions with the manager, Arsene Wenger, about coming back but I decided it was not a good move to go back to a club where I achieved great things.
"I hope to write the same stories with Chelsea as I did with Arsenal."
Petit is now fully focused on dislodging Sir Alex Ferguson's side as Premiership champions and steering The Blues to their first top-flight title since 1955.
The World and European Cup winner has no regrets over turning down a possible move to either Arsenal or United and is confident that Chelsea can in time establish themselves as the team to beat on the domestic front.
"They (Manchester United) are the reference point in England. In fact, not only in England but in Europe as well," he told the Evening Standard.
"But you have to remember that United did not build themselves in a fortnight. Other teams must learn from that."
