Martin Skrtel has revealed that he rejected a move to Inter Milan in order to stay at Liverpool.
The Slovakia captain recently signed a three-year deal after long-term speculation over his future at Anfield.
Speaking with the Liverpool Echo, Skrtel proclaimed that “Obviously there was talk about that (Inter) but the priority for me was always to stay at Liverpool and sign a new contract here.”
Roberto Mancini’s Inter Milan were linked with Skrtel during the debate over his Anfield future and while Skrtel is aware of the calibre of his suitors, he was always intent on remaining with his current employers.
“Inter Milan are a big club,” he told reporters, “but to my mind Liverpool are bigger.”
Widely expected to become Liverpool’s vice-captain in the wake of Jordan Henderson’s promotion, the Liverpool management will be relieved to have finally tied down the defender after weeks of reported negotiations.
Skrtel however is happy to remain at what he believes is “One of the biggest and best football clubs in the world” along with staying for the sake of his family, including his son Matteo who was born on Merseyside.
As well as expressing his personal delight to be remaining with the club, the big centre-back commended Liverpool’s latest transfer dealings, saying: “With the few new faces we have coming into the team now we will be stronger and playing better next season.
“That’s what I believe and we are working very hard every day to be fit and ready for the season, and then the players will do the best we can and try and finish as high as we can.”
As for his rumoured vice-captaincy, Skrtel told the Echo that nothing had been discussed.
“That’s not a question for me. I have heard nothing – nothing has been said to me about it.”
