Liverpool transfers: Seydou Keita rejected Reds for Valencia

Seydou Keita has revealed that he rejected Liverpool in favour of a move to Valencia in the January transfer window.

The Mali international sealed a return to La Liga last month following 18 months at Chinese club Dalian Aerbin after quitting Barcelona in 2012.

When we received the call from Valencia, talks with Liverpool were at a very advanced stage

Seydou Keita

The 34-year-old won three La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey twice and two Champions League crowns during a decorated four-year spell at the Catalan side.

Despite being very close to a move to Liverpool, Keita didn’t hesitate to commit to Valencia when Los Che’s interest became apparent.

“When we received the call from Valencia, talks with Liverpool were at a very advanced stage,” Keita is quoted as saying by ESPN.

“But then I told my agent we were going to Valencia. I did not doubt for a second. When I came to play at Mestalla with Sevilla or Barcelona I suffered a lot to win, because this is a really big club, with fantastic fans.

“That is why I opted to come here.”

Keita was present at the Camp Nou on Saturday night as his new employers Valencia secured a memorable 3-2 victory over his former club Barcelona.

“The truth is the victory was a big boost for everyone,” Keita added.

“We were in the stand watching the game and, when Barca scored the first goal we thought it would be very difficult, but in the end we managed to win, very well.

“It was a good game and the team played really well. They are just three points, but beating Barca is not easy. All the team was really happy, and me too.”