But the Dutch striker decided to join Hamburger SV instead of Feyenoord when he left Real Madrid in January.

"Clubs from all over the world approached me this winter. I could have signed for a Mexican team, an American side or a team from the Middle-East," Van Nistelrooy was quoted as saying by Sportweek.

"However, I never even considered such a move. I only wanted to join a 'serious club'. That's also the reason why I snubbed offers from Greece and Turkey. I wanted to move to a big league.

"Even Feyenoord approached me. I got a text message from their technical director, Leo Beenhakker. He wanted to know whether I was interested in a move to Rotterdam. I wasn't, but I felt flattered that he gave it a try."