Red regret for Boumsong

Last updated : 07 February 2004 By Chris Maxwell
The cultured French defender had been expected to join fellow Auxerre star Djibril Cisse on Merseyside next season before a breakdown in talks with Gerard Houllier allowed Scottish champions Glasgow Rangers to seal a pre-contract agreement with the 24-year-old.

While the highly-rated French international insists he is happy to move to the less glamorous surroundings of Scottish League football, eyebrows will undoubtedly be raised at Ibrox following Boumsong's candid comments.


Boumsong, speaking to French newspaper L'Equipe, said: "In July there was a vocal agreement between AJA (Auxerre) and Liverpool, and the confirmation should come from the Englishmen.

"In December, there was still no news, so I understood Liverpool didn't want me anymore. Rangers have contacted me and it was my only concrete proposition. The Scotsmen wanted me.

"At first I was not really enthusiastic, but when I met the officials, I was attracted. It was a sport and financial choice. Glasgow wants to become a great European club and I believe in that.

"I would have favoured Liverpool if I could have chosen. But I always respect my word and at the start of the year I have signed."