Roberto Martinez has insisted he has no regrets for not joining Liverpool last summer as he prepares his Everton side to face the Anfield outfit in his first Merseyside derby on Saturday.
Martinez held talks with Liverpool owner John Henry in May 2012 with a view to taking over from the sacked Kenny Dalglish, but the Spaniard snubbed Liverpool, choosing to remain at Wigan Athletic whom he then guided to FA Cup final glory less than 12 months later.
That triumph convinced Everton chairman Bill Kenwright to offer Martinez the job of succeeding David Moyes as manager.
And the 40-year-old believes destiny had decreed he would end up at Goodison.
Martinez: “It’s been a question asked many times, regarded the discussions held with Henry in Miami 18 months ago.
“Things in life happen for a reason and it was well documented that summer. It was a time of trying to find out what was next from my point of view and Wigan Athletic at that time.
“Everything ended up that it wasn´t’t the right time or the right move. I always believe everything in football and life happens for a reason and I am extremely proud and honoured to be manager of Everton.”