Shane Victorino says he wanted to return to Phillies

In Philadelphia on Friday, new Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino said his first choice was to return to the Phillies, but his old team wasn't interested in bringing him back.

Shane Victorino is a Red Sox, but Boston wasn't his first choice. (Getty Images)

Former Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino is now with the Red Sox, but he wanted to return to Philadelphia, he said on Friday.

Speaking to kids at the Shane Victorino Nicetown Boys and Girls Club in Philadelphia, Victorino said he not only wanted to return to the Phillies, but he kept them abreast of his suitors and the last chance at securing his services. Ruben Amaro Jr. passed, letting Victorino go to the Red Sox on a three-year, $39-million deal, while Philadelphia traded for Ben Revere to play center field.

"I wanted to come back," he said, according to Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer. "We kept in touch and I informed them of what was going on and the opportunities I was getting. We gave them every last shot to give me an opportunity to come back. This is the place I wanted to be. But unfortunately it didn't work out."

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