French midfielder Amine Linganzi rejected a move home to join Gillingham in League 1.

The 23-year-old powerhouse had options in France and England before leaving Accrington for Gills.

He enjoyed playing at Priestfield for old club Stanley last season and wants to progress his career under Martin Allen.

Linganzi said: “I had some offers in France and England but my first choice was Gillingham. Firstly, I’m close to France. Secondly, I wanted to see how the football in the south is because I know the north is different.

“For me, it’s a big challenge. Last year, I had a tragedy in my family, so I prefer to be close to France for my wife and my baby. It’s better for me.

“I chose to come to Gillingham because I want to go forward with the club and when I played against them with Accrington last year, I could feel the good situation with the club and the supporters."

Linganzi signed for Blackburn from St Etienne in 2010 but hernia and groin injuries restricted his chances and he made only four appearances in three years.

He played one game on loan at Preston before making 13 appearances for Accrington last season.

He is now confident his injury problems are behind him. He said: “I’m fully fit now. I’ve not had any injuries for about a year. I know I’ve had a few injuries but that’s in the past and I’m looking forward. When I’m training, I don’t look if I’m in pain anywhere."