Former EPL star Solano reveals how he snubbed move to Liverpool in 2005

Former Newcastle United and Aston Villa star Nolberto Solano has revealed how he snubbed a move to Liverpool in 2005.

After an 18-month spell at Villa Park, Solano opted to make the return to the North East.

On his way back to Newcastle, the Peruvian received a phone call from one of Rafa Benitez's assistants with transfer interest from Liverpool.

Solano though, had his heart set on an emotional return to St. James' Park, as he told FourFourTwo: “To be honest, I never wanted to leave [Newcastle].

"But at the time Bobby Robson was a little bit funny with me, so I told my agent that I wanted to play football.

“Villa came in and gave me that opportunity. I had a great time there – I was player of the year in 2004-05.

“I was driving back to Newcastle when I had a call from one of Rafa Benitez's assistants.

“But I'd already spoken to Alan Shearer and Stevie Harper, who said, 'You've got to come back.' So that was that.”