Some footballers have YouTube channels, apparently. At least, Joaquin does.
The 35-year-old, who returned home to his beloved Betis last summer, released a video on Thursday giving his fans a small anecdote, taking them back to 2002 when Chelsea and José Mourinho wanted to bring him to the Premier League.
He explained: “There were many clubs interested in me, and one of them was Mourinho’s Chelsea. It wasn’t in my plans to leave Betis. I was happy there.”
Apparently, everything between the two clubs was already done and dusted, and all that was required was for the player to give the green light.
However, it wasn’t to be.
He said: “I looked at my dad, and he already knew that I didn’t want to go. When I spoke to Mourinho, he realised that it wasn’t about money. They left, but came back the next day in case I’d changed my mind.
“My decision had been taken. I just wanted to be happy in Seville. Mourinho left quite unhappy because he wanted to bring me to London. I know I lost a good opportunity to grow as a footballer.”
The now veteran winger went on to have a relatively successful career, playing for Betis, Valencia, Malaga and Fiorentina, winning the Copa del Rey on two occasions.
