Hannover 96 starlet Andre Grube has revealed he turned down a move to Everton because he did not want to leave home.
The 16-year-old goalkeeper had a four-day trial with the Merseysiders, who were sufficiently impressed to offer the youngster a deal.
But Grube decided to stay put in Germany and finish his schooling rather than move to England.
“I did not want to leave home,” he told Bild. “That’s why I said no to Everton.
“I am going to finish my studies. School is important. With football you can get an injury and it can all be over.”
Grube has since signed a deal that ties him to the German club until 2011 and is determined to make his mark in the professional game.
“Of course it is my dream to become a Bundesliga goalkeeper,” he added.