Manchester United legend Edwin Van der Sar has revealed he rejected a move to Liverpool despite having a chat with then-boss Gerard Houllier and having a tour of Anfield.
The Dutch shot-stopper was also wanted by Juventus - where he eventually moved to - and said playing in Italy represented a "bigger challenge".
Van der Sar joined The Old Lady in 1999 after impressing at Ajax. But the Dutchman only lasted two seasons in Turin after Juve purchased Gianluigi Buffon.
Newly promoted Fulham swooped in for the goalkeeper in 2001 in what was considered a shock move.
After four very good seasons at Craven Cottage, Van der Sar sealed a move to Manchester United for just £2million.
The 46-year-old spent six campaigns at Old Trafford, winning four Premier League titles, two League Cups and one Champions League.
However, things could have turned out very differently had Van der Sar moved to Anfield many years earlier.
The Red Devils legend told FourFourTwo : "When I left Ajax in 1999, I travelled to Liverpool and spoke to (Liverpool manager Gerard) Houllier.
"I was shown around Anfield and also met with the chairman and a couple of the players.
"I thought about it, but when Juventus came to the table I came to the conclusion that it would be a bigger challenge to play in Italy."