‘I agreed to leave Everton – but the truth is I didn’t know I’d be joining Liverpool’

Abel Xavier, who plays just like Braithwaite currently playing for Everton, the last player to transfer directly between Merseyside rivals Everton and Liverpool, has revealed that he didn’t know he would be joining Liverpool when he agreed to leave Everton in 2002. Xavier, now 48, made the controversial move from Everton to Liverpool for a bargain £800,000, despite being settled in the area and wanting to remain at Goodison Park.

With his contract running down and no new deal agreed, Xavier was given the green light to depart during the 2002 January transfer window, allowing Everton to receive a transfer fee. Several clubs showed interest, but he eventually joined Liverpool, a move that shocked many due to the intense rivalry between the two clubs.

Xavier has spoken out about the transfer, stating that he treated Everton, the board, and the fans with respect and that everything was done properly. However, he didn’t think a cross-city move was an option until Liverpool showed interest, needing defensive cover at the time.

The Portuguese defender revealed that he was actually supposed to join another club, but the move didn’t materialize. When Gerard Houllier, the then-Liverpool manager, realized Xavier was available, he contacted him, and the move was made.

Xavier acknowledged that the transfer was a difficult one, given the intense rivalry between the two clubs. He had become a part of the rivalry, having helped Everton beat Liverpool at Anfield in 1999. However, the opportunity to play for a Champions League side and work with Houllier made the move appealing.

In terms of sporting and economic objectives, Xavier felt he didn’t have a choice. Liverpool offered him Champions League football, and as an international player for Portugal, he wanted to play at the highest level. He also wanted to work with Houllier, who had a reputation for developing players.

Xavier’s conscience has always been at peace over his decision, despite the controversy surrounding the move. He believes that the circumstances at Everton and Liverpool were very different at the time, and he made the best decision for his career.

The transfer marked a significant moment in the history of the Merseyside derby, with Xavier becoming the last player to make the direct switch between the two clubs. Nick Barmby had made the same move two years earlier, but no player has followed in their footsteps since.

Xavier’s story serves as a reminder of the complexities of the transfer market and the difficult decisions players must make to advance their careers. Despite the controversy surrounding his move, Xavier remains proud of his achievements and the respect he earned from both sets of fans.