Martin Zubimendi has admitted he was caught off guard when Liverpool attempted to sign him last summer, but he found it easy to reject the Reds.
Arne Slot’s side had agreed to pay the Real Sociedad midfielder’s release clause, only for the Spain international to have a last-minute change of heart and turn down their advances.
With Ryan Gravenberch now excelling as Liverpool’s number six this season, the Reds have few regrets about how the situation unfolded.
However, Martin Zubimendi, whose future at Real Sociedad continues to be a topic of speculation despite his decision to stay at his boyhood club last summer, has opened up about his decision.
He admitted it was a “selfish” choice to remain in San Sebastián.
“I went on vacation, and it caught me by surprise,” he told El Diario Vasco. “It wasn’t something I had planned.
“I reacted when the situation arose. It was an uncomfortable time for me but I weighed the pros and cons and concluded that the best option was to stay.
“I don’t believe in ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunities. If you’re good and want to achieve something, it will come to you. There’s no need to rush.
“I looked at my personal progression, who I am, and the club’s project.
“I stayed because I knew this season would be important for me in the team, and I still had steps to take.
“It wasn’t that hard of a decision.
“There were many reasons for my decision, but I was selfish and thought about what was best for me.
“And that was staying.”
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