Rising Marseille star Maxime Lopez claims he turned down the chance to join Liverpool two seasons ago.
The 19-year-old has forced his way into Rudi Garcia s first-team plans at Stade Velodrome this term, making 22 starts in all competitions.
Barcelona have been linked with a move for the midfielder but he pledged his future to Marseille only last month by signing a new four-year contract.
Lopez has now said that he could have moved to Anfield in the 2014-15 campaign as a long-term replacement for Brazil star Philippe Coutinho, who was himself linked with Barca before renewing his own contract in January.
Confirming concrete interest from Liverpool he told L Equipe: They said to me: In five years, you ll be playing in Coutino s spot . They approached me in a positive way. I even met Steven Gerrard at the stadium after the game.
I wanted to go there but I also wanted to stay at OM. Leaving like that, at that age even with your family is very tough. I noted that they had a squad of 30 youth players, not to mention the first-team players. You really have to be mentally prepared.
Fier d avoir prolongé avec mon club de cœur! Merci à tous pour votre soutien! Prochain objectif: Rennes samedi! #2021
— Maxime Lopez (@lopezmaxime1)
