Revitalised Sturridge wants new deal

DANIEL STURRIDGE is confident about being offered a new deal by Liverpool as he believes he has returned to Anfield a better player than when he left.

That might seem like a strange boast, given that a loan move to West Bromwich Albion in January turned into another frustrating, injury-ravaged period in the 28-year-old’s career.

But Sturridge, who was left out of England’s World Cup squad because of his poor fitness record as well as a lack of game time, has looked bright and motivated in pre-season as he enters the final 12 months of his current deal.

Jurgen Klopp has indicated he wants Sturridge to stay and fight for a first-team place and the relationship between them is as strong as ever.

“It was good going out on loan,” said Sturridge, who failed to score in six appearances for West Brom after suffering another hamstring injury. “I don’t regret anything. The experience made me grow as a person. That is what it’s all about.

“Evolving as a man, evolving as a footballer. From the outside looking in, you can also improve.

“I have always been hungry and that will never change. I’m taking every day as it comes with a positive mindset.”

Klopp said: “You can see Daniel is enjoying himself. The most important thing is that he stays fit. He played only half an hour (against Manchester United) because it’s been an intense week and I didn’t want to take any risks with him.”

The Liverpool manager was also delighted by Xherdan Shaqiri’s performance on his Liverpool debut. He revealed that the former Stoke City man was so desperate to get started with his new club that he had to be forced to go on holiday.

Shaqiri got an assist when teeing up Sturridge to score with his first touch and Liverpool’s new recruit then drew gasps of amazement from a crowd of more than 100,000 at the University of Michigan stadium with a stunning overhead kick to add a fourth goal.

Elsewhere, David Luiz has committed his future to Chelsea after declaring his “love” for new manager Maurizio Sarri’s football philosophy and “fun” coaching style.

Luiz, who has started both pre-season games under Sarri, fell out of favour with Antonio Conte and started only one Premier League game since October, despite playing almost every game in Chelsea’s 2016-17 title-winning team.