Abel Xavier, the last player to move between the Merseyside rivals, recalls his controversial transfer from Everton to Liverpool in January 2002

The last player to transfer between the Merseyside rivals had no idea he would be joining Liverpool.

It’s now 22 years since a top-flight star moved directly across Stanley Park, with Abel Xavier, now 48, leaving Everton for Liverpool for a bargain £800,000. The Portugal defender had been keen to remain at Goodison as he was settled in the area.

But with his contract running down and no new deal agreed, he was given the green light to depart during the 2002 January transfer window, allowing Everton to pick up a transfer fee. Several clubs showed an interest but he eventually did the unthinkable and rocked up at Anfield.

“When I realised it would be tough to stay, I spoke with them [Everton] and said I wanted to be gracious,” Xavier told The Athletic. “I said I’d be pleased for Everton to receive some compensation rather than losing me for free. Everything was done properly. I treated Everton, the board and the fans, with respect.”

At that stage, Xavier didn’t think a cross-city move was an option, but with Liverpool needing defensive cover at the time, the Reds showed their hand.

“When it was agreed that I was leaving Everton, I didn’t know that I would be joining Liverpool. That’s the truth,” insisted Xavier. “I was actually supposed to go to another club, but there’s no point speaking about them as it didn’t happen.

“When [Gerard] Houllier realised I was available, he contacted me. It was a massive thing to go from Everton to Liverpool. Nick Barmby had done it [in 2000]. No one has since me.

“It wasn’t an easy move. I had become part of the rivalry. I was a Blue. I had helped Everton beat Liverpool at Anfield ([in September 1999]. Then, one day, I became a Red

The fact Liverpool were a Champions League side helped make up Xavier’s mind. He said: “In terms of sporting and economic objectives, I didn’t really have a choice.

“Liverpool were offering me Champions League football. I was an international player for Portugal and I wanted to be playing at the highest level. I also wanted to play for Houllier.

“At that time, the circumstances at Everton and Liverpool were very different. My conscience has always been at peace over my decision.”