Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi insists he has zero regrets about turning down a move to Liverpool in the summer despite his side's poor start to the season.
However, Real Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil managed to sweet talk Zubimendi into a major U-turn as the midfielder decided he would stay put in San Sebastian, with the manager reminding his star of how much he enjoyed Basque food and hiking in the area.
Yet Real Sociedad, who qualified for the Europa League thanks to a sixth-place finish in LaLiga last season, have started this year's domestic campaign poorly.
Alguacil's side sit 14th after eight games of action with only two wins and are already eight points behind Atletico Madrid, who occupy the fourth Champions League spot in LaLiga.
Zubimendi says he has zero regrets about turning down a move to Liverpool in the summer
Real Sociedad have also scored only six goals all season, three fewer than last-placed Las Palmas.
Despite the poor start to the campaign, Zubimendi remains adamant he made the right choice to stay put in San Sebastian.
'I went through uncomfortable moments. The best thing for me was to stay here and I am happy and at peace. Because of the press there is a lot of noise but in the end everything is easer than all that.
'Of course I don't regret it, I can't think that after four or five games at the start of the season.
'I made my decision from within, I thought it was the best thing to do, the results don't affect me.
'I see the potential in this team, you just have to watch us train and I'm excited about having a good season.'
Zubimendi's comments come after Real Sociedad registered their second win of the season as they beat Valencia 3-0 on Saturday.
Amid his side's poor run of form to start the season, a report from Spanish publication Estadio Deportivo claimed Zubimendi requested Liverpool to try and sign him again in January.
However, the report cited 'English media' as a source, so a degree of skepticism is required.
As for Liverpool, they appear to have found an in-house solution to their defensive midfield conundrum they hoped Zubimendi would solve.