Everton fullback Leighton Baines says there was never a chance of him joining rivals Liverpool.
The likes of Nick Barmby and Peter Beardsley may have changed Mersey allegiances over the years, but the Kirkby-born left-back is cut from different cloth. How ever much is on offer, Baines insists he would never switch sides.
The former Wigan defender was linked with a move to Anfield in the summer but Baines said:
“As far as I am concerned, it was never an option. When you’re from Liverpool, it’s either Liverpool or Everton, one and not the other.
“Obviously I was aware of the stories but it wouldn’t have got beyond that. You are one and you stick with that — you don’t do both.
“If you’re brought up in the area and know what it means to everyone, you understand it more. Once you know the people and you’re a part of it, it’s not something you do.
“To be honest most of the time I hear about these things from a phone call or text.
“About 90 per cent of the time that’s how it’s brought to my attention. My mates are always asking me about stuff, but I’ve usually not heard about it.
“They are more aware of rumours and stuff going around than me because they’re probably on the forums looking for stuff.
“Quite often in the window they will ask ‘have you heard this or that,’ and it’s the first I know of it. I try and detach myself from football when I’m not playing it.”
Submitted by Football Friends
