December 10th 2024.
Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea were all vying for the signature of Loic Remy, a talented ex-Premier League striker. It was a highly sought-after transfer, and all three clubs were determined to secure him. However, things didn't quite go according to plan for Liverpool.
For most players, failing a medical at a club like Liverpool would have been a devastating blow. But for Remy, it was just the beginning of a whirlwind of events. Within a few weeks, he had already turned down a potential move to Arsenal and signed for Chelsea instead.
Liverpool had been intent on bringing the Frenchman to Anfield, and they even triggered his £8.5m release clause from QPR in the summer of 2014. Remy had been in great form, scoring 14 goals in 27 games while on loan at Newcastle United the previous season. He had even joined the Liverpool squad on their USA tour, but unfortunately, the deal fell through due to a failed medical.
At the time, QPR boss Harry Redknapp was baffled by the news, stating that it was "not possible" for a "very fit lad" like Remy to fail a medical. Despite this setback, Remy's popularity did not dwindle, and Chelsea quickly swooped in to secure his signature. However, they had to act fast as Arsenal was also trying to hijack the deal.
In the end, Remy chose to join Chelsea as he believed their interest in him was more genuine compared to Arsenal's. And even though his time at Stamford Bridge was not as successful as he had hoped, he has no regrets about his decision.
Remy was signed by Chelsea for £10.5m in August 2014, but he only managed to score 12 goals in 47 games before being sent out on loan and eventually released at the end of his contract. However, he did play a part in helping Jose Mourinho's team win the double in his first season with the club, although he was mainly a backup player behind first-choice striker Diego Costa.
In an interview with Ladbrokes, Remy described his move to Chelsea as the "craziest" of his career. He reminisced about the moment his agent called him while he was on holiday on a small island in his home country, informing him of Liverpool's interest. Liverpool was training in Boston for pre-season, and Remy was ecstatic about the news. He immediately asked his agent about the next steps to take.
However, things took an unexpected turn when Remy realized he didn't have his passport with him. His agent, who happened to be the same as Patrice Evra's, arranged for Evra's brother to go to Lyon, Remy's hometown, to retrieve his passport. Remy then traveled to Paris to meet with Evra's brother, who gave him the passport, and he flew straight to Boston.
It all felt like a dream to Remy when he arrived at the training grounds and met his potential teammates. He did interviews, had a medical, and even took pictures of himself holding Liverpool's scarf, feeling proud to be joining such a prestigious club. However, two days later, he received the heartbreaking news that there was a problem with his medical, and the deal was off. Liverpool didn't want to take any risks, and despite his disappointment, Remy accepted the outcome and returned to London to train with QPR again.
But fate had other plans for Remy. Chelsea, who had been keeping tabs on him despite the failed medical, contacted his agent and expressed their interest in signing him. They asked if he was still available, and he was. Remy then went to Cobham, Chelsea's training ground, for his medical. It was a surreal moment for him, and just before he signed, his agent received a call from Arsenal, who also wanted to sign him. But by then, Remy had already made up his mind and decided to go with Chelsea. He had passed his medical and was ready to sign, so he didn't want to change his mind at the last minute.
Looking back, Remy acknowledges that it was a complicated move behind the scenes, but he doesn't consider it a mistake. He went on to win titles with Chelsea, and although it wasn't a smooth journey, he has no regrets about his decision. As they say, everything happens for a reason.
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