Neco: Everyone thought that I would join Man United ...but I chose Liverpool instead

ALES defender Neco Williams has recalled how he rejected Manchester United and Everton to sign for Liverpool.

- By THEO SQUIRES

The North Walian joined the Reds' academy in 2007 and went on to make 33 appearances for the first team.

A Premier League champion with Liverpool in 2020, he joined Nottingham Forest in a £17million deal in 2022.

Initially helping them avoid relegation, he has established himself as a key player for Nuno Espirito Santo's side as they look to qualify for next season's Champions League.

While he grew up in a family of Manchester United supporters, Williams has recalled how he caused surprise when snubbing the Red Devils' advances in favour of joining Liverpool.

"I started as a striker at the age of five or six. At that time while playing for your local team, you're just playing for fun with your mates," he said. "But I knew scouts would be at tournaments and getting scouted was the main aim.

"Getting ready for the tournaments, we would dye our hair, get out the hairspray and almost try and act like footballers! You would want to impress as much as you can.

"I guess it came naturally to me. I can't remember a day where I thought, 'I'm quite good at this, I just loved playing and wanted to play as much as I could.