Sunderland striker Ola Toivonen has revealed that he was close to signing for Liverpool when Roy Hodgson was in charge of the club.
The 29-year-old, who is currently on loan at the Stadium of Light from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes, insists that it was an easy decision to join Sunderland and finally get a chance to play in the Premier League.
Speaking to the Northern Echo, Toivonen said: "I have had opportunities to come to the Premier League before.
"A couple of years ago it looked like I would be joining Liverpool when Roy Hodgson was there. Not fighting hard enough for that to happen is something I regret in my life.
"I always wanted to play in the Premier League so when I got the call from Sunderland it was a quick decision to make."
Toivonen has made 44 international appearances for Sweden, scoring nine goals.
