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“I said no”- La Liga defender reveals Liverpool offered him long-term contract before exit

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By Chintan Devgania

Alberto Moreno reveals he was offered new five-year contract by Liverpool before leaving

According to Liverpool Echo, ex-Liverpool star Alberto Moreno revealed that he turned down a new five-year contract at Liverpool before leaving the club. The defender joined Spanish club Villarreal in 2019 after falling down the pecking order in his position in the team.

The Spanish left-back spent a long five-season spell at Liverpool but had minimal impact on the team with his mixed performances. In his debut season, Moreno played a total of 41 games in all competitions and 50 in the year that followed his debut. However, his appearances began to shrink after unconvincing performances.

The player had one of his poorest games in the 2016 Europa League Finals against Sevilla. James Milner then replaced him in the left-back position for the 2017/18 season. The arrival of Andy Robertson saw him getting even fewer opportunities to establish himself as the first-choice left-back.

Alberto Moreno struggled to get into the first team at Liverpool but was offered a five-year contract before leaving.
Alberto Moreno struggled to get into the first team at Liverpool but was offered a five-year contract before leaving.

Speaking out in an interview with Mediterraneo (h/t Liverpool Echo) the Spaniard reflected upon his time at Anfield, admitting injuries got the better of him during the 2017/18 season which paved the way for Robertson to establish himself as a first-choice left-back.

Despite failing to shine at Anfield, the 29-year old seemingly remained in the good books of the club and the player himself revealed that he was offered a long term contract in his last campaign – a deal that he went on to reject.

“In my fifth year, I was offered to renew, for another five years. I said no. We had many years in England”

Alberto Moreno in action for Villarreal.
Alberto Moreno in action for Villarreal. (imago Images)

“I have three children and spoke with my wife and we decided that the best thing was to return to Spain. I just wanted to go back to Spain.”

Moreno made the switch to Villarreal in 2019 and since then, he has appeared 32 times for the Yellow Submarines in two seasons. The defender made a major contribution to Villarreal’s Europa League triumph last season, scoring from the penalty spot against Manchester United in the shootouts in the final.

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The Villarreal team is now managed by the experienced Unai Emery who has used Moreno in his team as a wing-back. The Spaniard has started all three games in the La Liga this season and will be hoping to become a regular fixture under Emery.