When recounting the names of famous Argentinian strikers, it’s unlikely Juan Ignacio Antonio will be one of them, but it could have been, had he joined Liverpool as a youngster.
For those that don’t know him, Antonio was an Argentine striker who spent most of his career in Italy, playing for the likes of Brescia, Sampdoria and Parma.
He by no means had a glistening career, managing just 98 appearances across his entire career and scoring nine goals and managing eight assists in those games.
Those were probably not the numbers he would have envisioned, or the fact his career was cut short in 2015 when he was just 27 years old.
Like many players who experience such careers, he likely looks back on decisions made and transfers that didn’t work out and for Antonio, it was Liverpool.
The Argentine never ended up at Anfield, instead spending his time in Europe in Italy after being released by River Plate in September 2010, but the opportunity was once there, as the player has recounted to Gianluca di Marzio.
“There was a gathering of players in Patagonia for try-outs at which national team scouts were present and they noticed me,” he told them.
“My father wanted me to finish school and that’s why I didn’t move to Buenos Aires straight away, but I used to travel 2,000 kilometres to go to and from River’s training sessions and matches.
“I was referred to an agent who gave me a one-week trial at Liverpool. It went well, I could have stayed, but I was 15 and my father wasn’t up for it.
“I was also in Italy, on trial at Inter. All these try-outs were to boost my self-confidence. I didn’t go there thinking I could stay, but I enjoyed the moment.”
