Wolves star Hwang Hee-chan had former Premier League manager phoning him almost every day over bold transfer
WOLVES Hwang Hee-chan has revealed how he rejected Roberto De Zerbi’s pleas to sign for Marseille this summer.
That is despite the former Brighton boss calling him almost every day urging him to join him in the south of France.
Wolves rejected offers from the Ligue 1 giants and De Zerbi controversially spent £27million on Manchester United‘s Mason Greenwood instead – causing a storm of protest in France.
But South Korean international Hwang says he has no regrets over his decision to stay at Molineux.
He revealed: “I had a big decision to make this summer.
“Marseille made an offer for me and I spoke to Gary [O’Neil] many times and I had De Zerbi calling me almost every day.
“I trusted the gaffer, he said to me I was a very important player and he gave me some belief.
“After he said that I said I would stay and give everything.
“As long as Wolverhampton wants me then I will stay and fight for our team because I want to help my team and my team-mates.”
While Greenwood has raced to the top of the Ligue 1 scoring charts with five goals in his first three domestic appearances for Marseille, Hwang has yet to open his Wolves account after four games.
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The 28-year-old finished last season with 13 goals, one short of leading scorer Matheus Cunha on 14, although they both netted 12 in the Premier League.
But he has no regrets about signing a new contract in December keeping him at Molineux until 2028, despite losing his starting place in Wolves’ last two games.
“I’m happy here,” said Hwang.
“For my first two years in England I was a little bit busy because I had some military service and I had to go to London a lot to work.
“That’s why I couldn’t do English lessons but last season I tried to learn English with a teacher and now I’m speaking a bit better, but not perfect.
“Speaking English means I can enjoy life more with my team-mates and I want to have a good time with them.”
Hwang represented South Korea in their World Cup qualifier against Palestine on Thursday and will be in action for the Asian giants again on Tuesday in Oman.
But when he returns he intends to battle to win back his Wolves starting place when they host Newcastle.
He added: “I want to play more of course, but I’m ready to fight for Wolves and I will stay here this season.
“I feel I showed that in our recent draw at Nottingham Forest
“We had already lost two games and we had to show our character. We gave everything.
“The result was not what we wanted but a draw was a good sign that we are ready to bounce back against Newcastle after the international break.”