Jason McAteer has revealed in his new autobiography that he rejected Kenny Dalglish in order to join Liverpool.
McAteer has recently published his autobiography, 'Blood, Sweat & Jason McAteer: A Footballers' Story' and in the book, the former midfielder has revealed that he rejected the advances of then Blackburn Rovers manager Dalglish in order to join the Reds.
McAteer had been pursued by Dalglish, along with teammate Alan Stubbs back in 1995, following his exploits for Bolton Wanderers in the previous campaign but a late offer from Liverpool meant that the Tranmere-born ex-Republic of Ireland international rejected Blackburn and Anfield hero Dalglish for his boyhood club.
He writes: "I give my mum a quick call. She's delighted that it's Kenny who wants to sign us and she tells me to make sure to say she was asking after him, but she knows I'll be star-struck when I meet him.
"She warns me not to sign anything without thinking it through.
"Fat chance. Two years after asking Kenny to sign my Bolton programme, he wants my autograph on a contract. Just show me where to sign, Kenny. It doesn't work like that, does it? Kenny wants to talk to us separately. I'm first in. I almost want to ask Kenny for his autograph again. I have to stop myself!
"A phone rings and brings me back to reality. Ian says he has to take this call and leaves the room. Ian comes back into the room. He drops another bombshell. Bolton have just accepted a four-and-a-half million pounds bid from Liverpool for me. Just me. Not Stubbsy.
"He looks Kenny in the eye and tells him he has to talk to Liverpool on my behalf. He doesn't even ask me. He says he has to suspend these talks and he'll get back to Kenny when he knows what Liverpool are offering.
"I'm just staring at Ian, wide-eyed and feckless. I barely notice as Kenny starts to fume. Without blinking an eye, he tells Ian that the deal is off if he talks to Liverpool. Not just for me but for Alan as well.
"Ian argues with the King. Kenny relents just enough to give us five minutes outside to talk about it and break the news to Alan. But he is not budging on his offer and the terms. If we talk to Liverpool, any Blackburn deal is dead in the water.
"We retreat out to the reception area, and I have to give Alan the news while Ian makes a call. I know this is killing him, but it's Liverpool. Alan doesn't even think about it. He tells me I have to walk away from Kenny Dalglish and talk to Liverpool. I remind him that if I do that it will kill his Blackburn move.
"To his eternal credit, he is not for turning. He tell me that he knows better than I do what Liverpool means to me. If Everton came in for him he'd do exactly the same thing and I'd be just as supportive. He insists I have to be selfish. It's an incredible gesture and tells you everything about Alan. I don't want to let him down but I have to. This is my dream.
"I have to walk back into that suite and tell Kenny Dalglish that he's not good enough for me. I get the words out as quickly as I can. 'Thanks for the offer, but I have to talk to Roy and Liverpool. If it doesn't work out at Anfield, then I'd gladly consider Blackburn again.'
"The Scottish accent is getting thicker by the minute as Kenny's blood boils. The offer from Blackburn is withdrawn."
