Real Madrid and Barcelona were interested in signing me, but I decided to join Liverpool instead.

Djibril Cissé has looked back on the moment he chose to join Liverpool in 2004, revealing that both Real Madrid and Barcelona were keen on signing him at the time.

Back then, Cissé was one of Europe’s most promising young forwards, impressing at Marseille. With Michael Owen preparing to leave Liverpool for Madrid, the Reds moved quickly to secure Cissé’s signature. According to the striker, Madrid also made an approach, but it was Liverpool manager Gérard Houllier who ultimately persuaded him to head to Anfield.

“Both Barcelona and Real Madrid showed interest the same year I signed for Liverpool,” Cissé told Ladbrokes. “A number of clubs were interested, but those were the three I was aware of. My agent handled the rest – I was someone who preferred to focus on playing rather than the off-field dealings.”

Cissé explained that it was Houllier who made Liverpool feel like the right choice. “It wasn’t just a safe environment – it was also a club with a rich history. I knew it was the right place for me to grow and become the player I wanted to be. I had idolized strikers like Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler, and Ian Rush growing up, so to follow in their footsteps was a huge honour.”

He also revealed that his commitment to Liverpool had been made a year prior, during his final season at Auxerre. “There was no signed contract at the time, but I had already told Liverpool I would join. My decision was made, and even when interest from Madrid and Barcelona became known, I stayed true to my word. When I commit, I stick to it.”

Cissé went on to score 26 goals in 82 matches for Liverpool. Although his time at Anfield didn’t quite match expectations, it’s important to note he suffered a devastating leg break not long after arriving.

Remarkably, he has chosen to view that injury in a positive light. “The support I received from my teammates and the people of Liverpool helped me settle quickly. Of course, the hardest moment was breaking my leg at Blackburn. But I always say that was my sacrifice… I gave my leg so Liverpool could win the Champions League.”