Former Chelsea winger Florent Malouda has opened up about the decision-making process that saw him choose Stamford Bridge over Anfield back in 2007. The Frenchman, who became a key player for the Blues, disclosed that he was close to joining Liverpool before Chelsea’s offer turned his head.
Malouda, then playing for Lyon, was on the radar of Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez, with former Reds boss Gerard Houllier, who was coaching Lyon at the time, playing a key role in trying to orchestrate the move. With a transfer fee agreed between the two clubs, it appeared the winger was destined to join the Merseyside outfit. However, Malouda explained that things were not as straightforward as they seemed.
“It’s true. Liverpool were really interested in signing me and I almost joined them,” Malouda confirmed. “At the time, Rafa Benitez was the manager, and my manager at Lyon was Gerard Houllier. There were talks between the two clubs, and Gerard really wanted me to join Liverpool because of his experience managing the club.”
Despite the agreement between Lyon and Liverpool, Malouda was unsettled by the number of external influences involved in the deal. “I didn’t ever agree a contract with Liverpool,” he revealed. “I felt that there were too many people trying to get involved in the deal and push me towards Liverpool, which I really didn’t like.”
It was Chelsea’s approach, led by then-manager José Mourinho, that ultimately convinced Malouda to head to London. The winger was attracted by Mourinho’s determination to sign him and the familiarity he had with several Chelsea players, particularly his compatriot and close friend Didier Drogba.
“Chelsea came in for me, and it was clear from day one that Mourinho really wanted to sign me,” Malouda said. “It was an exciting offer because I knew so much about the club because of Didier [Drogba], and there were also a lot of players in the squad that I knew.”
Malouda’s decision paid off handsomely, as he went on to enjoy a trophy-laden spell at Chelsea. During his time at Stamford Bridge, he won three FA Cups, one Premier League title, and the crowning glory of his career – the 2012 UEFA Champions League. His contributions on the left wing were pivotal in many of these triumphs, solidifying his place in the hearts of Chelsea fans.
The revelation sheds light on a fascinating “what-if” scenario, showing how Chelsea’s clear intent to sign Malouda made all the difference. It’s a reminder of the club’s pulling power, particularly during Mourinho’s first spell, when the allure of working with the “Special One” was a decisive factor for many top players.
For Chelsea supporters, Malouda’s decision to choose Stamford Bridge over Anfield remains a significant moment that helped shape the club’s successes in the late 2000s and early 2010s. His story serves as another example of Chelsea’s ambition and ability to attract top talent, even when competing against other elite clubs.