Stewart Downing has criticised Liverpool for offloading him quickly despite saying he would remain at Anfield.
The 29-year old winger joined West Ham United this week on a cut-price deal with Reds boss Brendan Rodgers saying he had accepted 'an incredible deal at West Ham and has taken that decision to go.'
But Downing has countered those comments, saying his hands were tied when he was offloaded to the Hammers for £6million.
"I spoke to the manager and he said he wanted me to stay. So I'm disappointed that one minute I was staying and the next minute I'm gone," said Downing.
"It was a surprise because it happened so quick. One minute I was in the starting XI for Liverpool, and the next I was on my way to London.
"I was playing in the team and playing regularly and that's why I was surprised to be told that a fee had been accepted. It is normally when you are not playing, or you are not in the squad is why you leave."
He added: "Obviously, I've got a four-year contract but having the opportunity to play was the big thing. At my age, I need to play. And in a World Cup year, I need to be in with a chance.
"Maybe for the club it was an unbelievable offer, I don't know."
