Soccer

 

New Liverpool forward Milan Jovanovic has revealed that he turned down an option to sign for Real Madrid before joining the Reds.

Serbian international Jovanovic was recruited by former Reds boss Rafa Benitez from Belgian club Standard Liege, where he had enjoyed great success.

Real Madrid were one of a number of top European clubs to scout him, and the Spanish giants were impressed enough to offer the pacy attacker a deal.

But Jovanovic was not tempted by Real's offer, and he chose instead to join Liverpool where he can expect to receive more game time.

"I think 99 per cent of people I spoke to told me they did not understand why I said no to Real," said Jovanovic, who sunk Germany with a winning goal in the group stage of the World Cup.

"But maybe I am special. I thought if I went it would be as an ordinary player, but that, if I stayed, I would be where I felt good, where I was a star in Belgium.

"It is only a small league but Standard Liege won two titles and two Super Cups while I was there and I won two personal awards, one from coaches and players and the second from journalists. So I was very happy.

"Real offered me just a one-year deal with an option for two years. I said four, they said no and so I turned them down. Maybe they are the biggest club in the world, but I always knew that other big clubs would come.

"I will never go somewhere where I only play a small part. Why? It is better to be happy somewhere. Now I only want to look forward and play for Liverpool."