Peter Crouch reveals option for Liverpool exit that Reina endorsed

Peter Crouch had a number of interesting possibilities to depart Liverpool

Peter Crouch reveals option for surprise Liverpool exit that Pepe Reina endorsed

Peter Crouch has revealed how he nearly left Liverpool for a transfer overseas and how former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney once cost him a move later in his career.

Rafa Benitez signed the forward from Southampton in 2004 before selling him to Portsmouth four years later after the 6ft 7 striker spent the final season of his Anfield career as Fernando Torres' understudy.

Speaking in his Daily Mail Q&A, Crouch revealed Villarreal were one of a foreign sides to show interest in him during his time on Merseyside only for a move not to materialise.

"When I was at Liverpool, Villarreal were interested," he said. "Pepe Reina told me it would be a good move.

"Maybe he knew Fernando Torres was on his way! Sampdoria and Genoa were both possibilities at one stage, too."

Crouch also revealed how Rooney cost him a move to D.C. United with the MLS outfit showing interest in him prior to signing the former England captain in 2018.

"My agent told me there was a three-year deal to live in Washington; Abbey liked the possibility of living in Washington and it was going to be all systems go," he revealed.

"There was one caveat. ‘They are thinking of signing Wayne Rooney,’ I was told.

‘"They’ll never get him,’ I thought. Next thing I knew, Wayne was in Washington and I was destined to stay at home."