Andoni Iraola rejected Liverpool and wrote a thank-you letter

Andoni Iraola rejected Liverpool in 2013 and is now their manager

Andoni Iraola, former Athletic Bilbao defender, rejected an offer from Liverpool in 2013 and sent a thank-you letter to the club. Now, 13 years later, he is the new manager of the Reds.

What happened in 2013?

In 2013, Iraola was 31 years old and playing for Athletic Bilbao. With only six months left on his contract, Liverpool tried to sign him. However, the player chose to renew with the Basque club and wrote a personal letter to Liverpool to thank them for their interest and explain his decision.

Why is it relevant for Athletic Bilbao?

Iraola spent his entire playing career at Athletic Bilbao, from the youth teams to his retirement in 2015. His loyalty to the club is an example of his commitment to the institution. Now, as Liverpool's manager, he remains a reference for Athletic fans.

What did Iraola say about the letter?

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Iraola confirmed the episode but preferred not to share details. "I don’t want to tell this story now, at the start of my career here. First, I want to win some games," he said. The manager acknowledged that the story is nice but doesn’t want it to seem like self-promotion.

What’s next for Iraola at Liverpool?

Iraola took over in April 2026 after a successful season with Bournemouth, where he led the team to sixth place in the Premier League and the Europa League. Now he faces the challenge of managing one of the biggest clubs in the world, with the pressure to maintain Liverpool’s high standards.