Former Portugal star Simao Sabrosa came within touching distance of joining Liverpool previously, only for the plug to be pulled on the deal by Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira due to the fear of fan backlash. Simao came through the academy at Sporting before breaking into their first team as a 17-year-old. He went on to make over 50 appearances for the club before being granted a £10million move to Barcelona, linking up with the likes of Luis Figo and Pep Guardiola. On the plane, I sat between Figo and Guardiola and he already had football books, lots of golf books... 'Can I talk?' The tricky forward flourished back in his homeland, earning admirers from around Europe, with Liverpool especially keen to acquire his services.

Source: Express March 02, 2024 19:21 UTC