Nicolas Anelka reveals money issues that prevented Liverpool deal | OneFootball

Nicolas Anelka has revealed that his wage demands were the reason he never signed permanently for Liverpool.

The former France international spent the second half of the 2001/2002 season on loan with the Reds, helping them to finish second in the Premier League and secure a Champions League spot.

Despite being well-received by the Kop, Anelka was sent back to Paris Saint-Germain at the end of that season, with manager Gerard Houllier opting to sign El Hadji Diouf instead.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Anelka reflected fondly on his brief time on Merseyside, but admitted that financial issues prevented him from staying longer at Anfield.

“Looking back, I am proud to have worn the jersey of this legendary club and to have known this stadium and these amazing fans,” the 41-year-old said.

If he loved it so much, though, why didn’t he stay?

“It’s simple: it didn’t happen because Gerard Houllier wanted to pay a lower salary,” Anelka stated.

“It’s acceptable but you have to say it.”

Liverpool fans have often debated how things might have been different if Anelka had been signed instead of Diouf.

The Frenchman ultimately joined Manchester City, where he went on to score 45 goals in three seasons.

Given how disastrous Diouf’s time at Anfield proved to be, it’s hard to argue that Houllier’s decision was anything other than an exercise in false economy.