‘I had contact with Liverpool, where I was going to sign’ – World Cup runner-up reveals he was close to Anfield switch
Sidney Govou has revealed he came close to joining Liverpool after France’s run to the 2006 FIFA World Cup final.
The retired winger spent a decade at Lyon after breaking into the first team in 2000, scoring 49 goals in 292 Ligue 1 appearances. Govou was considered one of the most promising strikers in European football as he was a key member of the conquering Lyon team that won seven consecutive top-flight titles.
Govou also represented the France team 49 times and although he was not initially selected for the 2006 squad, the winger was called up by Raymond Domenech due to an injury to Djibril Cissé. Blues lost the final to Italy on penalties following Zinedine Zidane’s shocking red card.
Govou has now claimed he is set to join Liverpool, with former Reds boss Gerard Houllier putting him through training with the reserves. The 43-year-old former player told French radio RMC (per Inside soccer):
“I had contact with Liverpool, where I was going to sign. Unfortunately, Lyon couldn’t find a player to replace me. So it went on and on, except that we were approaching August 31 and the window of transfer was completed.
Under Rafa Benitez, the Reds reached the Champions League final but lost 2-1 to AC Milan. Lyon would eventually win two more Ligue 1 championships, with Govou eventually leaving in 2010 to sign for Panathinaikos.
The Premier League star is reportedly keen to join Liverpool
Wilfried Zaha has been Crystal Palace’s talisman for several years and scored the winner in the club’s last win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on October 18.
The Ivorian will be out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to agree a new deal, which could see him leave Selhurst Park on a free transfer.
According to a report by Calciomercato, if Zaha had a choice of what to do next, he would play for Liverpool. The outlet claims the ex-Manchester United striker is keen on a move to Anfield as he ‘very’ likes Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The Ivory Coast international has scored five times in nine Premier League appearances this season and would no doubt be a great addition to the Liverpool squad. Roberto Firmino is also set to be out of contract this summer and Zaha could fill the void left by the tricky Brazilian.
Wilfred Zaha’s game in numbers: 75 touches13 duels won11 touches in the opponent’s area4 shots2 possession won in the last third2 shots on target1 goal1 chance created0.55 xGThe main man. 👏 https://t.co/T2sP2PN3DZ
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