STURRIDGE: I’M HAPPY AT LIVERPOOL

DANIEL STURRIDGE has insisted his future lies at Anfield as he attacked the critics who have questioned his desire to play for Liverpool. The England striker’s position at the club has been the subject of mounting speculation, with

Sportsmail publishing a story on February 4 that he wanted to quit Liverpool because he was so angry at the way his rehabilitation was being perceived. Sturridge, who signed a long-term contract extension in October 2014, has not spoken to the media all season but he was the player selected by Jurgen Klopp to preview tonight’s Europa League clash with German side Augsburg so he could address the issues. Though he claimed to be unaware of what has being said about him on social media, Sturridge — who has been the subject of a baseless, bizarre allegation that his religious faith was preventing him playing football — delivered a withering rebuke to those who feel he lacks mental toughness. Sturridge said: ‘It’s been a difficult time being injured but, of course, it’s a part of football and now I’m looking forward to the future — of course with Liverpool. ‘There is not really much to stress or worry about in this situation. I have been pretty relaxed the whole time and I am happy here. ‘I didn’t know religion had anything to do with football. To say a player doesn’t want to play? That is the biggest disrespect ever you could say to any footballer. ‘It is astonishing, it’s disappointing from whoever is saying it. But it’s football. And, of course, people are entitled to their opinions.’ Sturridge added: ‘It hurts not being able to play. I’d be lying if didn’t say that. It is important to understand that I am not at home chilling, I’m not going out with friends living life to the full when I am not playing. I am devastated when I am not playing.’ Anfield manager Klopp, who will name his strongest possible side against Augsburg in an effort to secure a place in the last 16, hoped that putting up Sturridge to face questions would finally stop the speculation. ‘I have a hungry striker back — that is how he has shown it himself in training,’ Klopp said. ‘I agree with everything he said. ‘It was interesting to hear what you asked. He was completely relaxed. It is the first time you were more excited than the player. It is good. ‘A few things are more clear now than before. That is what we need. We don’t want to think about the wrong things. ‘I heard from him — not from second or third hand — a lot of times “future LFC” and I don’t know another LFC so I think he means Liverpool Football Club. ‘Everything is fine. You can all stop thinking about this. It’s good for us.’