"Two years ago, I was very close to signing for Liverpool before joining Lyon," the French midfielder, who is finalising a move from Lyon to Chelsea, told Sky Sport.
"But, at that time, I didn't have enough international matches to go [to earn a work permit]. At first, I was very disappointed.
"Gerard Houllier was a real gentleman. He wanted to keep me as he already did everything to get me two years ago at Liverpool.
"But he understood that I dream to play in England. He knows what that country represents to me."