If Liverpool, Tottenham and Aston Villa wanted to sign you, who would you choose?
Charlie Adam was asked this question in 2011, but there was never any doubt about where he wanted to go.
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The former midfielder played for Blackpool and was nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award in the 2010/11 season.
And following the Seasiders’ relegation from the Premier League this season, Adam became a target for some of the country’s top clubs.
Liverpool was one of those clubs and in July 2011 he arrived at Anfield to play under fellow Scot Kenny Dalglish, who also signed captain-designate Jordan Henderson.
Adam couldn’t turn down the chance to join the Reds and has now revealed that he has turned down both Aston Villa and Tottenham to make the move.
In an exclusive interview with The Pitch Prospect.com, the 38-year-old said: “I had several opportunities to speak to clubs.
“I once met [the late Villa manager] For me, Gérard Houllier was an absolute top manager. He spoke really well.
“I also had the opportunity to go to Tottenham on the last day of one of the transfer windows.
“Those were the two clubs that were in the running for me at the time.
“But when I found out Liverpool were interested, I really wanted to join this club. A huge club with a great fan base, incredible supporters.”
“And a squad full of top international players who played at a very, very high level.
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“I was very lucky to have the honour of playing for Liverpool.”
He continued: “If you look at the history of the players, everything in the football club is synonymous with the great players and what they have achieved over the years.
“It has been very special to be part of this club for just one season and I love coming back to Anfield.
“I think it’s one of the top stadiums and a great place to watch a game.”
Adam spent a year at Liverpool, playing alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez, making 37 appearances.
He then moved to Stoke, where he quickly established himself and became a key player for the Potters in the Premier League.
He spent seven years at the club, making more than 150 appearances in total, before leaving in 2019 at the age of 33.
And after this departure, Adam was offered another transfer, which he unfortunately could not accept.
“After Liverpool I had no offers from abroad, but when I left Stoke I was given the opportunity to play in Australia,” he said.
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“But it was just before the pandemic and the children and family couldn’t come for six months.
“So that would have been very difficult for me. I looked into it but ended up going to Reading.
“And it was a great option and I enjoyed the time there with great people.”
Now, after retiring from football, he takes on his first managerial role as head coach of Fleetwood Town in League Two.
Adam joined the Cod Army last season but saw them relegated to the fourth division.
However, the club maintained its faith in the former Liverpool player and now he is aiming to lead the club back up the Football League.
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