Former professional footballer and now coach Florent Malouda said he was pushed to join Liverpool in 2007. However, the former French international did the opposite and claims he has no regret moving to Stamford Bridge despite the noise.

Malouda rose to stardom at Lyon in only four seasons. With the Frenchman racking the numbers, top European clubs became interested in the player's services.

Two clubs who stood out of the crowd were Liverpool and Chelsea. Despite Real Madrid also being in the race, the two English clubs were the front runners of the race.

Florent told Coin Poker that he was pushed to join Liverpool under Rafa Benitez. Everyone linked to the deal was persuading him to make the move to Anfield.

There were talks between the two clubs and Gerard really wanted me to join Liverpool because of his experience managing the club.

-Florent Malouda via Coin Poker

One of the major influences the Frenchman claims was Lyon manager Gerard Houllier who had managed The Reds before. The French manager even won the Europa League and the Super Cup during his time in England.

"I didn't ever agree a contract with Liverpool," - Florent Malouda Malouda rose to stardom at Lyon which prompted interest from clubs like Liverpool and Chelsea

I didn't ever agree a contract with Liverpool. Lyon and Liverpool agreed a transfer fee, but I didn't ever agree contract terms and, I felt that there were too many people trying to get involved in the deal and push me towards Liverpool, which I really didn't like.

-Florent Malouda via Coin Poker

Madlouda told Coin Poker that he didn't even agree on a contract with Liverpool. On the other hand, Lyon had already agreed on a transfer fee for the winger.

Chelsea came in for me and it was clear from day one that Mourinho really wanted to sign me. It was an exciting offer to have because I knew so much about the club because of Didier [Drogba] and there were also a lot of players in the squad that I knew.

-Florent Malouda via Coin Poker

The Frenchman ended up at Chelsea as he felt that the Blues were a better option at that point of time in his career. Malouda probably had one of the best times of his life at Stamford Bridge winning the UEFA Champions League in the process.