MAXI RODRIGUEZ has revealed he risked incurring the wrath of Rafael Benitez on day one of his Liverpool career.
The Argentine winger signed for the Merseysiders in January 2010 following a useful stint at Atletico Madrid.
But in a desperate bid to seal a move to Anfield, Rodriguez told former Kop chief Benitez a little lie.
The Liverpool manager asked the former Argentina international if he could speak English, as he wanted assurances that his potential new player would be able to slot straight into the dressing room at Melwood.
Rodriguez immediately told him that he could.
Although to say he was bending the truth would be somewhat of an understatement.
Speaking during an Instagram Live, the now 42-year-old revealed: “Rafa told me it was very important for everyone to speak English.
“When he asked if I could I said, ‘Yes, of course, don’t worry.’
“I didn’t want negotiations to fall through so I told a little lie.
“But when I arrived there was a press conference.
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“Rafa told me he’d speak first and then I would take over.
“That’s when I grabbed him and told [him], ‘Look, Rafa, the only thing I know how to say is hello.’
“Rafa said, ‘You’re a son of a b****.’
“But we were both laughing about it and after that, I learned how to speak English.”
Rodriguez went on to make 73 appearances over two-and-a-half years at Anfield, notching 17 goals along the way.
He was let go when Brendan Rodgers arrived in 2012, but not before he had lifted silverware in the shape of the 2012 League Cup.
At 40, he still played for top-flight side Newell’s Old Boys in his native Argentina until 2021.
Newell’s have an illustrious history, having previously been represented by the likes of Diego Maradona, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino and as a boy by Lionel Messi.
Rodriguez’s international career came to an end in 2014 following 51 appearances and 15 goals.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
