• Premier League

Martinez: Liverpool job would not have been right

ESPN staff
November 23, 2013
Roberto Martinez was linked with a move to Liverpool but opted to stay at Wigan © PA Photos
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Roberto Martinez stated it was "fate" that drew him to Everton and believes he could never have taken the job at rivals Liverpool.

Ahead of Saturday's Merseyside derby - the Spaniard's first as Everton boss - Martinez indicated his happiness with the mentality of chairman Bill Kenwright, who he praised for giving him the required freedom to do the job his own way.

Martinez was publically courted by Liverpool, among other clubs, during the summer of 2012 but opted to stay at Wigan, where he went on to win the FA Cup.

The 40-year-old enjoyed a healthy relationship with Lactics chairman Dave Whelan and revealed a similar ethos was what attracted him to Goodison Park. However, Martinez admitted he did not get the same feeling from their bitter rivals.

"The feel we have at the football club, and the way I am allowed to work here, feels right to me. It allows you to work," Martinez told the Mirror. "I understand we are talking about Liverpool because it's a derby but there were three or four other clubs interested that summer along with them.

"So the decision I had to take was about staying or moving at that time - for me it wasn't right, it didn't feel that way from my side. It was many things at the time. I always value human relationships and I had one with the chairman at Wigan.

"We had the commitment to carry on for another season which ended up with Wigan winning a major trophy. You make decisions based on feelings and that was the right thing to do.

"I do believe it is fate I have come to Everton - things happen for a reason and everything has to come naturally. I do feel that was the case, not just with Liverpool.

"Everything fell into place with Everton and everything's been very natural and I do believe that in life, not just football, things are meant to happen. I love the challenge at Everton. It's an incredible football club and that's all I'm looking at. We've got a unique opportunity with the squad of players here."

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