David Moyes has admitted that he received several job offers from Premier League clubs, before agreeing to become the new manager of Real Sociedad.

Moyes was fired by Manchester United last April, just 8 months after he succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson.

Looking refreshed after a six-month break from the game, the former Everton boss said said the move to Spain has helped him fulfil a longstanding ambition

“It’s always been an ambition to manage abroad,” said Moyes. “To be completely fulfilled as a coach you have to.

“It’s the right time. I’ve had six months off and I’m raring to go. I never had any doubt. I had several offers from the Premier League.”

“Every job is a big challenge. It’s an opportunity to show that British managers can go and work abroad. I’m always beating the drum about it, so hopefully I’ll be the first of many.”

Asked why Sociedad, Moyes spoke of the “persistence of the president”.

“The president convinced me. His love for the club was the thing that pulled me. The confidence they’ve given me is great and I look forward to showing what I can do.

Moyes was asked about his ambitions for the club in the coming months. Sociedad currently lie in 15th place in the 20-team La Liga with 9 points from 11 games.

“I’m just starting to get to know the players,” he said. “I’ll start taking training from tomorrow.

“I’m looking forward to it. The players are better than what they’re showing. I think there’s a little bit more to give.

“The first thing is to climb the table, away from relegation. My expectations are high. I’ll push myself to get a winning team and make sure the way we play is entertaining.”

By working in Spain, Moyes will be following in the footsteps of a number of British coaches.

“La Real have a great history of having British coaches… John Toshack, Chris Coleman. So it’s not too unusual,” he said.

“But some of Britain’s best ever managers – Bobby Robson, Terry Venables – have come to Spain. I hope to prove something here.

“La Liga has some of the finest players and some really good coaches. I want to test myself against the best.”