'Liverpool gave me a new five-year contract – then made call which left me heartbroken'

Ex-Liverpool defender Dominic Matteo can adhere to the saying that there are no guarantees in football – even if you sign a long-term contract. The former Scottish international came through the Reds’ academy and spent eight years at Anfield.

After signing a new five-year contract in 2000, he anticipated a long and fruitful future with the club. However, just days after signing the deal, he was informed that the club intended to sell him.

The decision left Matteo stunned, and he ultimately moved on to join rivals Leeds United, where he was later named captain. Despite this, he confessed that the sudden decision fron Liverpool shattered his heart.

In his autobiography, ‘In My Defence’, he wrote: “On the Monday, I was signing a five-year deal that, by the standards of the day, was a lucrative one. But, just four days later, I was on my way out of Liverpool. I was in shock. How could things change so quickly in just four days?

“The thought of leaving was an upsetting one. But, for the good of my career, I needed a fresh start. So, I went. It meant I missed out on all the trophies that Liverpool won the following season. I’ll admit that seeing the lads pick up the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup was difficult.”

He added: “When I left Liverpool, I had five years left on my contract. I didn’t think I was going anywhere, but I didn’t think I was going to get the game time again. The reason why I left was because of that.

“There was no other reason. I wanted to stay, but I wasn’t going to get the game time. I thought I couldn’t have another three or four years of not playing. It just wasn’t what I wanted.”

After candid conversations with then-manager Gerard Houllier, it became clear Matteo faced a choice: stay at Liverpool and collect his salary for the next five years while warming the bench, or leave in pursuit of more playing time. He quickly chose the latter.

He said: “Obviously I was gutted that I had to leave. Even though we talked about the five years and my contract, I was gutted. I was heartbroken for a long time, but I had to make the right call to play games. And obviously getting the opportunity to go to Leeds and we were in the Champions League. But then that year Liverpool go and win the UEFA Cup. So for me, mixed emotions.

“It would’ve been nice in a way. You’d be lying if you said you didn’t want to stay and win things with them, of course I would. But life doesn’t work like that. You move forward into your career.”

Matteo, who made a total of 146 appearances for Leeds United before their relegation in 2004, also turned out for Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City in the Premier League before the end of his career in 2009.