Babbel: I turned down Real Madrid for Liverpool
- Source
- Liverpool EchoLocal press
- By
- liverpool.news@trinitymirror.com (Theo Squires)
- Published
Key points
- Defender joined Reds on free transfer from Bayern Munich in 2000, spurning Madrid's offer
- Won treble in first season under Houllier, scoring and assisting in cup finals
- Career derailed by Guillain-Barré syndrome diagnosis; fell out with manager before exit
AI summary
Markus Babbel has reflected on his decision to join Liverpool instead of Real Madrid, revealing he rejected the European champions' advances because Barcelona was his only Spanish preference. The German defender arrived on a free transfer in summer 2000 and enjoyed a remarkable debut campaign, featuring in all of the club's trophy wins and contributing goals and assists in the cup finals.
His trajectory changed dramatically when illness struck during the following season, forcing him into a wheelchair and ultimately ending his time at Anfield. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Babbel expressed regret over how his departure unfolded.
Original headline
I rejected Real Madrid to sign for Liverpool - I regretted my actions when I left
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