Real Madrid wanted me when I left Liverpool - I rejected them because it wasn't right

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Roberto Firmino left Liverpool in the summer of 2023 after eight years at Anfield, and has now explained his decision to reject Real MadridLiverpool legend Roberto Firmino has opened up about why he didn't make the move to Real Madrid after his departure from Anfield. The 34-year-old made a move to Saudi Arabia, signing for Al-Ahli on a free transfer, where he led the team to AFC Champions League victory last season.READ MORE: Roy Keane takes aim at Liverpool fans with 'class' jibe after Trent Alexander-Arnold jeersREAD MORE: Liverpool sent blunt admission over Hugo Ekitike after £79m transfer – 'Quality drops'But after also being omitted from their Saudi Pro League squad for the second half of the campaign, Firmino was soon on the move again, signing for Qatari side Al Sadd in the summer.Firmino has now disclosed that there was interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid in both 2023 and 2025.

However, he decided against joining the Bernabeu outfit on both occasions as he wasn't their top priority, reports the Liverpool Echo."There was, of course (interest from Real Madrid)," he confessed in an interview with 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. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL packageThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.