Elia claims Liverpool and Juventus interest

Hamburg winger Eljero Elia claimed that HSV have turned down various bids from European clubs for his services recently.

The Dutchman has had an inconsistent campaign with the German outfit, and a public spat with ex-coach Armin Veh saw him consigned to the bench on many occasions.

However, since the appointment of coach Michael Oenning in January, he has seen his fortunes improve, forming a key part of the young tactician's plans in the second half of the season.

"My agent asked what was going on. It became clear that the management wanted me to play, but Veh refused to play me," Elia told NUsport

After the international match against Austria in early February, the conflict escalated as Veh decided to show up Elia in front of his group of players.

"He said, 'Who do you think you are! Because you're playing against Austria and doing tricks, you think you're a big star. Austria is as bad as a fourth division team, though. You have achieved nothing in your life'. At that point, I felt I needed to leave.

"There was enough interest. Liverpool, Everton and Juventus wanted me in the winter, loaning me out initially with an option to buy. Wolfsburg immediately offered €20 million and a top salary. Hamburg understand my situation, but I want fun in football.

"Wolfsburg were fighting against relegation, my old coach Steve McClaren was under pressure. However, my instinct said no."

He also talked about possible loan moves to England and Italy, insisting that both Liverpool and Juventus are still as mighty as ever, despite their recent troubles.

"Sorry, Liverpool remains England's top team and Juventus are still the biggest club in Italy. Bigger than AC Milan, Inter and the rest, but Hamburg did not want to let me go.

"They were very kind to me during the transfer period. I wanted to go originally, but they would have let me once Veh had left. I was really wondering what had went wrong."

Elia has featured 20 times for the Rothosen this season, scoring twice in the process.

Source: Goal.com

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