Jamie Carragher rues Liverpool’s failure to sign Damien Duff

Jamie Carragher has revealed that he felt Liverpool should have signed Damien Duff before the Republic of Ireland international moved to Chelsea in 2003.

The 35-year-old retired from professional football last Sunday following a 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers after a decorated 16-year career with the Reds.

Carragher witnessed plenty of successful signings – and flops – throughout his spell at Anfield, with the centre-half failing to end the club’s wait for the Premier League crown.

But of all the potential arrivals, Carragher named Fulham winger Duff, who was heavily linked with the Reds while at Blackburn Rovers before joining Chelsea, as the player who got away.

“At the time, I thought we missed out on Damien Duff,” Carragher told Liverpool’s website.

“Houllier should have signed him but instead he went for Diouf and Cheyrou.

“I think Duff would have given us the pace and width that we needed.

“Duff ended up going to Chelsea and for two or three seasons, was really influential there.”

Former Liverpool assistant Phil Thompson claimed in his autobiography that the 18-time English champions were offered Real Madrid star Ronaldo before his move to Old Trafford.

And Carragher believes the Portugal international would have been a big hit at Anfield.

“Phil Thompson always talks about Cristiano Ronaldo. I’m sure he’d have done great for us.”

Carragher scored five goals in 737 appearances for Liverpool after making his debut in 1997, winning the Champions League, two FA Cups and three League Cups.