The 29-year-old completed a season-long loan move to Birmingham City on transfer deadline day as he is looking to play regular first-team football.
“There were many offers: Liverpool, Tottenham, Benfica,” Hleb told Belarus newspaper Pressball.
“But it was necessary to carefully consider all the options. With some we were unable to agree terms.
“Birmingham City apparently wanted me more than anyone else, so they were my preference.
“The decision was prompted by the fact I am well acquainted with the English championship.
“This is perfect right now, when I need match practice. The Premier League is the most entertaining league on the planet.
“Birmingham are a stable club and the manager, Alex McLeish, is a good professional. They are not Arsenal, who play every year in the Champions League, but for me it is important now to be playing regularly and returning to my previous level.
“To be honest, the last year and a half hasn’t been what it should. But the deal with Birmingham is my chance and I must take it.”
