Liverpool FC News: Ballon d'Or winner reveals he nearly joined Reds under Rafa Benitez

Former Ballon d'Or winner and Portugal icon Luis Figo has revealed that he almost joined Liverpool in 2005, blaming the Reds for dragging their heels over a potential transfer. 

Figo won the Ballon d'Or in 2000 for his brilliant performances with both Barcelona and then Real Madrid, winning four La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey crowns and the Champions League during his time in Spain.

The talented winger was much loved at the Santiago Bernabeu despite making the controversial move from Clasico rivals Barca at the start of the 2000/01 season, eventually calling time on his days in the Spanish capital in 2005.

The Portuguese legend has now revealed that he almost joined Liverpool after making the decision to leave Real Madrid in the mid-noughties, but the Reds' ponderous approach saw him choose a switch to Inter instead.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN - LUIS FIGO ADDRESSES LIVERPOOL TALKS

Speaking to GOAL recently, Figo admitted that he came close to switching the Bernabeu for Anfield, even holding advanced discussions with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

"Yes, it was a possibility at that time [joining Liverpool]," said Figo. "It was close, I was negotiating with Rafa, but in the end it didn’t happen for different reasons.

"Liverpool at the time were struggling and not making a decision on whether to sign me, so I decided not to go there.

"I don’t know [what they were waiting for], but every week they were like, 'We’re waiting to do this,' and then they sign one player. 'We’re waiting,' and then they sign another.

"So I said, 'Come on, this cannot happen, I cannot wait too long.'"

Figo was 32 at the time of his talks with Liverpool and decided on making the move to Inter instead. That decision paid dividends for him given he won four consecutive Serie A titles and a Coppa Italia during his time in Milan.

The attacking dynamo certainly would have been a brilliant signing for Liverpool regardless of age, but the Reds ended up recruiting the likes of Peter Crouch, Bolo Zenden and Pepe Reina instead during that window.