Liverpool legend Ian Rush has hit back at claims from Michael Owen that he would have considered playing for the Reds’ arch-rivals Manchester United or Everton.
Owen infamously joined the Red Devils in 2009, causing anger amongst Reds fans having come through the ranks and spent the best years of his career at Anfield.
In his autobiography released last year, the former England international defended his career-choice when taking issue with Liverpool fans’ negative feelings towards him, insisting Rush would have happily done the same when leaving Juventus after a year in Italy in 1988 yet his status is untouchable.
Re-signing for Liverpool after his spell in Turin, the former Wales international has lifted the lid on holding talks with Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson prior to his Anfield return.
Everton's Colin Harvey, Rangers' Graeme Souness and Bayern Munich's Uli Hoeness were also interested in signing Rush, and while he admits he was impressed by what Ferguson had to say, he insists a move to Old Trafford was never going to happen because of allegiances to Liverpool.
“It was shock at first. I thought it was a joke,” he said. “He gave me his number and in fairness he sold me the club.
“I did read in [Owen's] book that (Kenny) Dalglish got me out at the 11th hour. I was never going to Manchester United. I knew the rivalry.
“Kenny didn't have to sell the club. He made my mind up for me.”
