Super Eagles and Paris FC winger Moses Simon has admitted that one of the biggest disappointments of his football career was missing out on a move to Liverpool, Footynaija reports.
The 30-year-old said the failed transfer affected him so much that he lost motivation and struggled with his performances during his time at Belgian club Gent.
Speaking to Urban Dwell Sport, Simon explained that many clubs showed interest in him between 2016 and 2018.
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“From 2016 to 2018, I dropped in form because I wanted to make a transfer,” Simon said.
“Liverpool wanted to sign me, I think Hull City, Fulham, Brighton, Tottenham, and Lyon also. We played against them in the Europa League in 2017. But, you know, when you read all this in the newspapers, some are true while some are rumours.”
The Nigerian international said Liverpool came closest to signing him, but the move never happened.
“So the first year, I didn’t make it. I didn’t get a transfer. The second year, I was supposed to go to Liverpool. It didn’t work. In my head, I was like, ‘Is it the agent or the club? I don’t want to play.’ So I was putting it in my head: ‘Whether I play or I don’t play, I don’t care.'”
Simon also admitted he wrongly believed that playing poorly would force Gent to sell him.
“I think if I don’t play, the club will find a way quickly to sell me. The club bought me for €1 million, but after one year, they wanted €25 million.”
Looking back, the former Nantes winger says he made a mistake and wants younger players to learn from his experience.
“If I was an experienced player, I would push for everything because the more you play, the more market value you have. So every young player out there, whether there’s a rumour or no rumour, just give everything. A transfer can come, and you go. If it doesn’t come, continue because your club is paying you. This is the contract you signed.”
Despite missing the chance to join Liverpool, Simon has built an impressive career in Europe and remains one of Nigeria’s most experienced players. He is now just two appearances away from reaching the 100-cap mark for the Super Eagles.
