by Paul C » Wed Jan 12, 2005 3:12 pm
Fernando Morientes has revealed he received several offers to leave Real Madrid, including one from Lyon, but had already set his heart on a move to Liverpool.
The Spaniard will seal a £6.3 million switch to Anfield on Thursday once he has agreed personal terms and passed a medical.
"I am going to Liverpool and it was not a decision that I took in a second. My family and I thought about it a lot," he explained.
"I told the club (Real Madrid) that I wanted to play, I had various offers but I thought the most interesting one was Liverpool.
"Now all I can do is hope that the medical goes well and I am registered in time to play (on Saturday).
"You can't ask for more than a debut against Manchester United. It would be a great debut for me and even better if the team wins.
"I am grateful the club have accepted my wishes to go to Liverpool rather than other better offers they could have had.
"All I can say is thanks to all the clubs who were interested.
"One of them was Lyon, but when their offer came in I had given my word to Liverpool.
"The Lyon offer came later and I had made my decision. I wanted to go to England."
Speaking at a press conference at Madrid's Las Rozas training ground, the Spain international admitted it had been a wrench to leave Real, but was looking forward to the new challenge of life in The Premiership.
"I want to thank this club for many things, which in eight years has given me nearly everything in my sporting career," he continued.
"I have matured a lot as a person and as a footballer and only have words of gratitude.
"I want to thank the fans for their support and I am proud to have worn this shirt.
"I leave with the cupboard full of trophies, but I will always be close to this club which will always be my home and always be in my heart.
"I leave happy, but also sad for having left behind eight years of my life."