The Portugal defender had been keen to remain at Goodison as he was settled in the area. But with his contract running down and no new deal agreed, he was given the green light to depart during the 2002 January transfer window, allowing Everton to pick up a transfer fee. Several clubs showed an interest but he eventually did the unthinkable and rocked up at Anfield. Everything was done properly.
I treated Everton, the board and the fans, with respect.”
At that stage, Xavier didn’t think a cross-city move was an option, but with Liverpool needing defensive cover at the time, the Reds showed their hand. *What do you think about players moving between bitter rivals? That’s the truth,” insisted Xavier. “I was actually supposed to go to another club, but there’s no point speaking about them as it didn’t happen.
“When [Gerard] Houllier realised I was available, he contacted me. It was a massive thing to go from Everton to Liverpool. Nick Barmby had done it [in 2000]. No one has since me.
“It wasn’t an easy move. I had become part of the rivalry. I was a Blue. I had helped Everton beat Liverpool at Anfield ([in September 1999].
He said: “In terms of sporting and economic objectives, I didn’t really have a choice. “Liverpool were offering me Champions League football. I was an international player for Portugal and I wanted to be playing at the highest level. I also wanted to play for Houllier.
“At that time, the circumstances at Everton and Liverpool were very different. My conscience has always been at peace over my decision.”
