Aquilani hits out at Liverpool's high asking price after completing Fiorentina move

Former Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani believes the high asking price placed on him by the Anfield outfit prevented him seeking a move away from the club before his switch to Fiorentina.

The Italian sealed a move back to Serie A last week after a miserable three-year stint in Merseyside, two of which he spent on loan at Juventus and AC Milan after failing to force his way into the first team in England.

Aquilani revealed, despite not being a part of the club’s plans, his exit was blocked by the Reds’ valuation of him exceeding the price both Italian clubs were willing to pay to make his stay permanent.

"Did I feel unwanted? I think you all know how things went for me," he told reporters. "I would have stayed at Milan if I had played 25 games. After my 22nd appearance, I was told that I would not play any more games.

"I appreciate their honesty. They explained to me that it was due to economic issues, and they preferred not to spend that money. Even the year before, I had a very high asking price, one that Juventus chose not to exercise. The market has changed and Liverpool always asked too much money for me."