Former Liverpool striker, Roberto Firmino has revealed why he rejected the opportunity to join Real Madrid in the past.
The Brazilian had an opportunity to join the Los Blancos before opting to play for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.
Speaking on his decision to snub Real Madrid, the 34-year-old admitted that many factors influenced his decision and that he didn’t want to wait long for an offer, as he was not Madrid’s first choice at the time.
Speaking to TNT Sports Brasil, Firmino said (via Madrid Universal):
“To be honest, there was interest [from Real Madrid]. My agency told me about it, and yes, it was recent, again, but not like before, you know, when there was that offer to go to Arabia.
“Back then, there was real interest from Madrid. But there were a lot of factors.
“I wasn’t the first or even the second option, so I would have had to wait quite a bit. 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.”
Fermino left Liverpool as a free agent in 2023 to join Al-Ahli.