Rafa surprised by transfer loser Lucas

Neill, who may be remembered by many at Anfield as the player who committed the horrendous tackle on Jamie Carragher, nearly ending his career, said Rafa Benitez had not made much of an effort to sign him.

Neill also said his move to West Ham was not motivated by money - despite West Ham's salary figures thought to be double what Liverpool were prepared to offer the ex-Blackburn defender.

Rafa said he totally refuted any accusations that he had made no effort to sign Neill.

Rafa said, "He knows that isn't trua. His comments were a surprise because when I spoke to him he was telling me different things."

And Rafa admitted he was now pleased the transfer did not occur, adding, "At the end of the day, if he didn't have enough passion to come here then maybe it's better for us."