I twice rejected Real Madrid after leaving Liverpool - It wasn't right for me

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Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FCRoberto Firmino has opened up on just how close he came to joining Real Madrid after leaving Liverpool in 2023Roberto Firmino has revealed why he did not join Real Madrid after leaving Liverpool. The 34-year-old moved to Saudi Arabia on a free transfer as he signed for Al-Ahli, and captained the club to AFC Champions League glory last season.READ MORE: Arne Slot ponders surprise Florian Wirtz move as Alexander Isak Liverpool update expectedREAD MORE: Pep Guardiola makes 'desperate' Liverpool claim as he sends Phil Foden warningBut after being left out of their Saudi Pro League squad for the second half of the campaign, he was on the move again last summer as he signed for Qatari side Al Sadd.Firmino has now revealed he had interest from Real Madrid both in the summers of 2023 and 2025.

But he ultimately decided against a move to the Bernabeu on both occasions as he was not their first-choice target.“There was, of course (interest from Real Madrid),” he told TNT Sports Brasil. And yes, it was recent, again, recently, but not like before, you know, when there was that offer to go to Arabia.“Back then there was real interest from Madrid.

Not that I’m impatient, but I had to wait, you know?“Then the offer from Al-Ahli came, and I had to pray and think if that was really the right thing.“So, that’s how it happened – I went to Arabia, and I believe the purpose was fulfilled there. I think that’s what was meant to happen.“Of course Real Madrid is a massive club.