Suso reveals preference for Liverpool over Real Madrid

CAIRO – 1 September 2017: Spanish winger Jesus Joaquin, known as Suso, had the opportunity to sign for Real Madrid when he was just 18, but he preferred to move to England to play for Liverpool.

“I came to Valdebebas to see the facilities, and the deal was practically done. But, upon returning to Cadiz, Liverpool called me and my representatives, and at that time there were not many young players playing in Spain. There wasn't a gamble on youth like there was in England," Suso told Marca.com on Thursday ahead of Spain’s match against Italy on Saturday for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

Suso is a Cadiz academy product who joined Liverpool in 2012, but he failed to earn a regular place in Liverpool’s squad in his three years in England. He left in 2015 to join Italian giants Milan.

Suso spoke about what Italian football added to him: “Italian football has improved me tactically with the training sessions and the matches being very focused. Everything is tactical, and even though it is sometimes boring, it is hugely important."

23-year-old Suso played 33 games with AC Milan last year, scoring seven goals in total. His amazing performance granted him a place in the Spanish national team.