New Blues signing Raul Meireles admits he was surprised to see Chelsea make their move so late in the day, but conceded he didn’t want to leave the Reds before Chelsea came calling.
The Portuguese international joined Andre Villas-Boas’ side with just minutes to spare on the transfer deadline.
“It was strange, [the last few days] because I knew of the interest of Chelsea, and the interest of the coach, and it was a pleasure to come to this club but it was strange because it was on the last day,” Meireles told the club’s official website.
“The people think that I wanted to leave [Liverpool] and it is only because Chelsea wanted me. For Andre to want me, that is why I wanted to go.”
Meireles drew comparisons to when he moved to Liverpool from Porto.
“It was similar because it happened late,” he added.
“It was different because when I was in Porto, I knew that I wanted to go and the club wanted to sell me, and I only had to wait for the right choice.
“I made the right choice last year to come to England and to come to Liverpool and this year was different because I knew that I didn’t want to leave Liverpool. I felt that the new owners didn’t want to sell me, but when I knew that Chelsea and Andre wanted me it convinced me.”
Meireles also spoke about his preferred position but stressed he will play where his manager feels is best.
“I can play all the places in midfield. Last year in Liverpool I played a new position for me, it was more like a winger. I like to play in midfield but for me it is more important that I play and I help the team so if the coach wants to put me in another place, I want to do my job and do my job well.
“In the national team and in Porto I played mostly in a 4-3-3, on the right or the left.”
Submitted by Football Friends
