Liverpool News: Former Real Madrid star Wesley Sneijder reveals why he rejected the Reds

Wesley Sneijder has always been one of the favourite in the rumour mill. And in 2013, the former Real Madrid star was linked to a host of club including Manchester United and Liverpool as he looked set to head for the exits after having falling out of favour with Inter’s then boss Andrea Stramaccioni.

Whilst many believed that a move to the Premier League was the most logical option for the former Dutch international – Sneijder surprised all when he decided to move to Turkey to sign on the dotted lines for Galatasaray.

He was given a hero’s welcome when touched down in Istanbul as many were dumbfounded as to why he decided to move away from Europe’s so-called big clubs at the age of 28.

Speaking about the time and the move, the Ajax Amsterdam youth product revealed as to why he rejected a move to Anfield.

“Many clubs wanted to know when I was leaving Inter, and Liverpool was one of those clubs, so people were surprised I chose Galatasaray,” Sneijder said.

“Why Galatasaray and not Liverpool? Because I am a winner

"I play for prizes, so I went to Galatasaray because I thought that I would win more at Galatasaray and be champion than at Liverpool, and I think afterwards that I made the right choice.

“I have had nice years in Turkey.”

Sneijder – who led the Netherlands to the cusp of World Cup glory in 2010 went on to win two Super Lig titles with the Turkish giants in addition to bagging three Turkiye Kupasi winner’s medal.

The midfielder currently plies his trade in Qatar, playing for Al-Gharafa.