Roberto Martinez
Roberto Martinez claims the timing was wrong as he considered become Liverpool manager.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has revealed the reason that he turned down Liverpool was that the timing was wrong and he was unprepared to leave Wigan.

Martinez was courted by Fenway Sports Group to take over the Merseyside club in the aftermath of Kenny Dalglish's sacking but turned down the opportunity.

One season later the Spaniard left Wigan for Everton and has so far had a positive impact on the club, standing strong over the summer amidst great interest from departed manager David Moyes in Leighton Baines and getting the side off to an uncharacteristically good start in the league.

And as Everton prepare to face Liverpool this weekend in the Merseyside derby, Martinez has revealed that the timing was the reason he turned down the chance to manage the Reds.

"It's been a question asked many times," Martinez said, according to the Express. "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 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."

Liverpool denied at the time that they offered Martinez the managerial position, insisting that hiring Brendan Rodgers was always their priority.

Since Rodgers came into the fold at Anfield he looks to have significantly improved the club as they currently sit in second position and harbour much hope of a top four finish at the end of the season and a return to Champions League football.