Jason McAteer discusses regret over Liverpool exit in 1999

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Jason McAteer has told Off The Ball that he regrets leaving Liverpool more than 20 years ago to join Blackburn Rovers, spending just four years at Anfield between 1995 and 1999.

McAteer, who retired in 2007 after a three-year spell with Tranmere, clocked up 139 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool after joining the club 25 years ago from Bolton Wanderers for a fee of £4.5million.

The versatile ace established himself as a right-back at Anfield, but the arrival of French manager Gerard Houllier in 1998 ended McAteer’s hopes of forging a career at Liverpool for more than just four years – and he left in 1999 for £4million (OTB).

McAteer recalled his time at Anfield and his decision to leave in 1999. With more than 20 years of hindsight, he stated that he regrets leaving the club after Houllier joined – and wished he fought for his place on Merseyside.

“Houllier took the club in a totally different direction and I felt that I needed to play to keep my Ireland career going. Mick [McCarthy] wanted players playing week in, week out,” McAteer said.

“If I look back, I should have stayed to fight for my position and prove him wrong. I like proving people wrong, but that was one of the times I didn’t do it. That is probably one of the real regrets I have.”

McAteer endured a difficult spell at Blackburn under Brian Kidd, where he suffered relegation from the Premier League to the second tier – but then helped the Lancashire-based side back into the Premier League before a move to Sunderland.

He then ended his career with Tranmere, and has since appeared for Liverpool legends on numerous occasions.