Former Chelsea star explains why he rejected Liverpool in favour of Blues switch

Even though Chelsea were the last club to make him an offer, there was no doubt in Florent Malouda's mind that joining the Blues was the best decision of his career.

Malouda headed into the summer of 2007 as one of Europe's hottest properties off the back of a tremendous individual campaign where he was named Ligue 1 Player of the Year after helping Lyon to a sixth successive league title.

Real Madrid were interested, Liverpool had even commenced negotiations but the allure of working under Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge resulted in the winger opting to sign for Chelsea.

"I was very close to joining Liverpool," Malouda recalled in an interview with bet365. "Talks were very advanced at the time and my manager at Lyon, Gerard Houllier, was heavily involved, especially because of his Liverpool relationship.

"I think the timing of the move was wrong because before the transfer window had already opened, they were discussing my contract and everything.

"Houllier was trying to sell me Anfield as my next destination and encouraging me to make the move, and I was just waiting to see what my other options were at the time as Real Madrid were also interested.

"Chelsea were the last club to make an offer."

Malouda proved to be Mourinho's final signing as Chelsea manager during his first stint in charge of the club as the Portuguese tactician unexpectedly resigned in September 2007 following further disagreements with owner Roman Abramovich.

While Malouda admitted he was disappointed at the abruptness of Mourinho's exit, the former France international still enjoyed great success at Stamford Bridge as he collected winners' medals for the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FA Cup.

By the time Mourinho returned in 2013, Malouda was on his way out of Chelsea after agreeing to join Turkish side Trabzonspor on a free transfer, bringing a six-year association with the club to an end.

"I have no regrets," Malouda added. "Liverpool are a big club and it was an opportunity to step up in my career but as it proved, Chelsea was my best option."

Jaquob Crooke

• Chelsea F.C.
• Liverpool F.C.
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