From the outside, it looked like your classic drawn-out transfer saga.


Injury problems, work permit issues and a season-long loan spell in Spain were the sum parts of Mark Gonzalez's move to Liverpool before it was finally completed earlier this month.

But for the player himself the transition couldn't have been simpler - one phone call was all it took.


It was during Gonzalez's time with Albacete, when he was attracting interest from a number of clubs across Europe, with Rafael Benitez favourite to win the race.


But then injury struck, and cruciate ligament damage seemed to have dashed the dream beyond repair, as the Chilean was condemned to a 10-month spell on the sidelines.

The despair was so deep, Gonzalez cut himself off from the game and was even considering giving up his recovery all together.


"I thought it was all over," said Gonzalez. "I was going to sign a week after the injury and everything just turned to rubbish.

"At that moment it was very difficult for me. I didn't want to know anything about anybody, or football - anything.
"It was 10 months until I could play again but three months after the injury Rafa called me and told me to be happy.
"That call motivated me a lot because I was still worried at that time. It made me realise that I had to get fit as quick as I could because I knew then that I would be coming to Liverpool.
"That was something very special. I didn't know how realistic it was when I heard talk about clubs that were interested in signing me, but getting that call proved that Liverpool wanted me.
"That's why I chose them, because when you get a call off the manager you know that they are really interested."

Source: Liverpool Daily Post


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