Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy shares his introspection on his departure from Anfield. Despite being a pivotal part of the team under Gérard Houllier’s tenure, Murphy, now 47, acknowledges his error in leaving Liverpool. Having joined the Reds in 1997 from Crewe Alexandra and amassing over 200 appearances, Murphy enjoyed success, including a treble in 2000/01, under Houllier. However, the arrival of Rafael Benítez in 2004 altered his trajectory, leading him to slip down the pecking order.
Benítez’s straightforward approach informed Murphy that his future at the club was uncertain. Consequently, Murphy made the move to fellow Premier League side Charlton Athletic that summer. Reflecting on this pivotal decision, Murphy concedes that he should have resisted the urge to depart, despite his initial animosity towards Benítez. “One of my biggest regrets is leaving Liverpool. I should have waited, but I was made to feel that I had to go. I hated Rafa at the time, but he was honest, and that is all you want,” Murphy confessed on the Ben Heath podcast.
In hindsight, Murphy realizes he undervalued his worth and should have been more resolute in staying. Despite having enticing offers from three Premier League clubs, Murphy’s passion for the game and aversion to bench-warming clouded his judgment. “I just loved playing and hated being on the bench. It was a huge regret. I should have waited until I was kicked out of the door, or my contract ran out because it was my club,” Murphy reflected.
The summer of 2004 witnessed both Murphy and Michael Owen departing from Liverpool, with Owen joining Real Madrid. While Owen faced backlash for later joining Manchester United, Murphy stands by his former teammate, acknowledging the challenges both players faced under Benítez’s management. “He, like me, wasn’t particularly wanted by Benítez and he had an opportunity to go to one of the biggest clubs in the world. I don’t think he was a traitor for leaving,” Murphy defended Owen’s decision. Despite the tarnishing of their Liverpool legacies, Murphy emphasizes Owen’s resilience and contributions to the game.
