Fowler turns down move to Sydney

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Sydney FC have revealed that Robbie Fowler has rejected their audacious bid to take him to Australia's A-League.
Cardiff City are now favourites to land him after the 32-year-old was released by Liverpool at the end of last season.

Sydney chief executive George Perry said: "We're bitterly disappointed but we're satisfied we did everything we could to persuade Robbie to come.

"Robbie was tremendously impressed by what he saw in Sydney but he's chosen to go elsewhere."

Fowler travelled to Sydney for talks and admitted he had been hugely impressed with the set-up.

The former England striker's representative George Scott said: "He was incredibly impressed with them and the city. The only thing against them is that Robbie is a Premiership player and he is used to Premiership money.

"The Premiership is unique in terms of the crazy money it generates and there is nothing in the world that replicates it, not even Spain. That money is well beyond Sydney and the Australian league and we know that.

"It is really a battle between money and quality of life and believe me, quality of life counts for a lot of money. All the money in the world is not going to buy your family's happiness."

Leicester have also joined the race to sign Fowler and have been in touch with his representatives.

"We'd be right for someone looking for the right challenge," chairman Milan Mandaric told the Leicester Mercury.

"Our rebuilding is not completed yet. We are still looking for more power up front and Fowler could give us that.

"I have been talking with his representatives and we know there is competition for him but it is not always about money," added Mandaric.


Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale was quoted on Liverpool's website as saying: "We have offered an attractive package and are hopeful Robbie will decide to come."

Fowler's adviser Scott also said Cardiff could be an option for Fowler.

He said: "I think Cardiff, if they have the ambition, is the sort of place Robbie would thrive at."

Fowler is likely to be taking a big wage cut if he moves to Cardiff, unless the Bluebirds shattered their wage structure - which is unlikely given the financial constraints caused by building a new stadium at Leckwith.

The alternative would be to put together a huge sponsorship package.

Ridsdale, who said he was surprised to hear that comments attributed to him had appeared on Liverpool's website, told BBC Sport Wales: "There's been a lot of press speculation.

"Obviously I know Robbie from his days at Leeds and he's an outstanding finisher and outstanding footballer.

"Were we ever in a position where we could attract him, I think our supporters would realise our talk of ambition is more than just talk.

"If and when we're in a position to announce the arrival of a player of that stature we will do so, but in the meantime I don't like talking about speculation."

Fowler made his Liverpool debut as an 18-year-old in 1993, scoring 171 goals in 330 games before joining Leeds for £11m in 2001 and then Manchester City for £6m in 2003.

Fowler returned for a second spell at Anfield in January 2006, although his starting appearances were limited.

[histon]

i would have done the same

[Aussie Bee]

Oh well - NEXT!

Bet his wife didn't want to move the four kids 12,000 and have no mates when she got here - Sydney FC should have shouted them all a trip down so the kids could fall in love with the beaches - even though its winter and freezing at the moment

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I would have chose Sydney before Cardiff! Bad move Robbie!