PSG talent's 'biggest regret' was Liverpool decision as boss vetoed transfer

The French striker, who started his career at Paris Saint-Germain claimed that he desperately wanted to stay at Anfield following a loan spell, but the manager said no

Nicolas Anelka spent time on loan at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Nicolas Anelka once revealed that his greatest regret was failing to secure a permanent transfer to Liverpool.

The France international claimed that then-boss Gerard Houllier's decision to propose reduced wages prevented his permanent switch to Anfield. Anelka arrived at the Reds on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. While the ex-striker represented both clubs, it's evident he harbors particular affection for his spell on Merseyside.

Former Liverpool boss Houllier brought Anelka on loan in 2001 and guided the side to what was, at that point, its best Premier League placing of second. Despite substantial support from fans urging him to remain, he departed for Manchester City instead. Houllier chose to recruit El Hadji Diouf that summer and addressed the failure to complete a deal for Anelka the subsequent September.

He stated: "I don't want to expose the reasons why I didn't want to sign him, but I think he knows why, and it has nothing to do with football."

These remarks prompted suggestions that Anelka hadn't wished to join Liverpool permanently in any case. Nevertheless, the now-47-year-old strongly refuted these assertions and maintained he was keen to become a Red.

Speaking on his Netflix documentary, 'Misunderstood,' Anelka said: "Liverpool fans think I didn't want to stay. They need to know that that wasn't the case.

Gerard Houllier decided against signing Anelka(Image: Getty Images)

"That episode was tragic for me. It's a club where I could have done great things."

In a 2021 interview with the Liverpool Echo, the ex-striker discussed his spell at Anfield and revealed precisely why he departed. He said: "This is my biggest regret as well because I knew it was the perfect match.

"Everything was perfect! I loved everything about the club. I had an amazing relationship with the fans. I loved them and I think it was reciprocal.

"Looking back, I am proud to have worn the jersey of this legendary club and to have known this stadium and these amazing fans."

Addressing Houllier's remarks and the real catalyst behind his departure, Anelka added: "It's simple: it didn't happen because Gerard Houllier wanted to pay a lower salary.

"It's acceptable but you have to say it. I wanted to sign from the first minute. Of course a permanent move was discussed from the first day I joined the club.

"If you look at the first time they introduced me in the press conference, I said if I could sign now, I would, but Gerard Houllier wanted a loan because he was not sure. In the middle of March, we were in negotiations to sign. PSG shareholder Alain Cayzac said to me Gerard told him that Liverpool would sign me.

"Later on, Gerard told me face-to-face he'd sign me permanently. In the middle of April, we reached an agreement about the salary, which had stalled things a little, but I was expecting to sign my contract when the league was over, but there was no news from PSG and no news from Liverpool."