Jude Bellingham has discussed Liverpool’s past interest in him.
The Real Madrid playmaker will step out at Anfield on Wednesday for his side’s Champions League encounter with the competition’s leaders.
But the Reds were previously among a host of European heavyweights chasing his signature last year before withdrawing from the running.
Bellingham confirmed that he held talks with several potential suitors but revealed that the pull of a move the Bernabeu proved too great to resist.
He said: “It probably wasn’t as close as a lot of the media made out.
“I had conversations with a few clubs when leaving Borussia Dortmund and making that decision. They gave me permission to speak to a few clubs.
“One thing I have to say is all the clubs I spoke to were very respectful of me and my family which was something I really respected.
“But when Real Madrid come knocking on the door, it shakes the whole house and it’s hard not to open and accept.
“It’s not a matter the other teams weren’t good or were bad when I spoke to them. It’s just that Real Madrid are on a different level.”
Bellingham also downplayed speculation linking England teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold with a potential move to Los Blancos next summer.
Reports in the Spanish capital claim Liverpool’s vice-captain is on the radar of Carlo Ancelotti’s side as his existing contract expires at the end of the season.
“I’ll be playing alongside him next season for England anyway, that will be a guarantee, but he’s a Liverpool player” insisted Bellingham.
“It would be disrespectful to come to his home today with a big game tomorrow and talk about something that could be misconstrued.
“It’s important to take that pressure off him. I want him to do really well normally. Just not tomorrow.”