Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan has revealed he could have been playing for Liverpool had it not been for Jurgen Klopp. Brendan Rodgers was keen to lure the Armenian international to Anfield back in 2013, but Klopp convinced him to sign for Borussia Dortmund instead.
Mkhitaryan eventually left Dortmund for United during the close-season, but he could have lined up for Liverpool during last Sunday’s clash at Old Trafford had Klopp not interfered.
The ace Manchester United man claimed,
“I spoke two or three times on the phone to [Liverpool manager] Brendan Rodgers, he was saying he really wanted me. Half of me thought I had to go there, the other half was not so confident”.
Mkhitaryan later explained as to why he rejected a move to Anfield saying, “Two weeks later, Jurgen Klopp broke off his holiday to come and see me in Dortmund, and after we met, I felt more comfortable to sign for Dortmund. I think I made the right decision.”
Mkhitaryan was seen taking on his former boss on Sunday and he had nothing but good memories of his time with the German.
“In particular, he helped me a lot because I was thinking too much about football. I took defeats too seriously, I would obsess about any chances I missed. He told me that it is just life and I had to let it go because when the next chance comes, I needed to be in the right frame of mind to take it.” added Mkhitaryan.
In simple language, the message was quite clear. A player appreciates it when he is more valued and wanted, especially if a manager is willing to go an extra mile to show them that appreciation. Klopp flew over to meet the star in person while Rodgers was on a conversation through a phone call.