The Aussie full-back states that it was for purely footballing reasons that he chose West Ham over Liverpool in 2007, but he must have been trying doubly hard to conceal a smirk when uttering that phrase. The Hammers were in the throes of a relegation dogfight, while the Reds were marching towards another Champions League final. Footballing reasons? More like another mercenary chasing a bigger wage packet.
''I did not get the chance to speak to the people who really matter at Liverpool. It would have been nice to have heard what the manager of Liverpool thought about me and the deal, but it did not happen. Overall, I was getting a cold feeling from Liverpool and a volcanic heat from West Ham, so that was why I chose them. It told me that they were desperate for me to come here and play, which is what every player wants. - Lucas Neill, January 2007.
Having reneged on Liverpools £30,000 p/wk deal, and subsequently penning a £70,000 p/wk contract at Upton Park, Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry found the situation perturbing.
''I dont know who was on the other end of the telephone talking to Rafa when I was sat next to him, but Im quite sure it was Neill. The decision by Lucas Neill not to accept our terms after we agreed a fee with Blackburn will bemuse many fans. - Liverpool chief executive, Rick Parry, January 2007.
Not the right sort of attitude that one would desire at a football club. There was also at least one person at Liverpool who was relieved that his Australian nemesis never arrived at the club.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
