Carragher: Mistake not to sign Anelka

442 Staff - Tuesday 03 November 2009, 15:19

More News on...

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has admitted the Reds made a mistake by not signing Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka permanently in 2002.

The 30-year-old former Arsenal and Real Madrid forward joined the Merseysiders on loan from Paris-Saint Germain for a six-month spell in January 2002, scoring four league goals in 20 appearances for Gerard Houllier's side.

However, come the summer the French boss decided against making the striker's move to Anfield permanent for £12 million, and instead splashed £10 million on Senegal striker El Hadji Diouf.

The decision has ultimately back-fired on Liverpool, with Anelka going on to score prolifically for Manchester City, Fenerbahce, Bolton Wanderers and Chelsea, picking up the Premier League Golden Boot in 2008/09 and netting the opener in the side's recent meeting at Stamford Bridge.

And Liverpool vice-captain Carragher has confessed that the decision was certainly not one of the club's greatest.

"I think it's a bit strong to say it was one of the worst decisions ever, but it's fair to say it was a mistake," he said.

"You look at Anelka now, he was top scorer in the Premier League last season.

"It's in the past now, but it was probably something that never went our way."

NEWS: Anelka reveals soft spot for Liverpool
NEWS: Anelka - I still love Arsenal

CHELSEA FANS! Check FourFourTwo.com’s ever-expanding interviews archive for more stuff to read:
Web Exclusives Kerry Dixon, Guus Hiddink
One on One Gianfranco Zola, Nicolas Anelka
Boy's A Bit Special Michael Mancienne, Scott Sinclair
Perfect XI Ruud Gullit, Marcel Desailly
Celebrity fans Vidal Sassoon
And Another Thing Being a Big Four fan

Plus! Ruud Gullit on Weekend Wonders and Chelsea on Talentspotter

LIVERPOOL FANS! Check FourFourTwo.com’s ever-expanding interviews archive for more stuff to read:
Web Exclusives Ian Rush, Craig Johnston
Q&A Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres
One on One Michael Owen, Nicolas Anelka, Kevin Keegan
Boy's A Bit Special Danny Guthrie
Ask A Silly Question John Barnes, Peter Crouch, Luis Garcia, John Aldridge
Perfect XI Jamie Carragher
What Happened Next? Julian Dicks
And Another Thing Being a Big Four fan