Guinea national football team skipper Naby Keita revealed that he turned down the offers from La Liga and Bundesliga giants Barcelona and Bayern respectively to join Premier League club, Liverpool.
The 23-year-old midfielder completed his move from RB Leipzig to The Reds in the off-season after the Liverpool struck a deal worth £48 million ($64m) last term.
Speaking of interest from Barcelona and Bayern, Keita told The Guardian: “It’s true to say that there were other teams involved like the ones you mentioned,” adding, “But a big part of my decision was the role of the coach.”
“We had good conversations. The words he spoke to me about this project really convinced me. I could see how the club was developing and I spoke at length with Sadio [Mane],” Guinea’s star footballer said.
“Sadio is like a brother to me. We had nine months together at Salzburg and built up a good rapport. We have been great friends since that time. He told me what a great club this was and how the team was progressing and had great potential,” Keita added.