NANDO: I'M NOT DONE AT ANFIELD!

Wednesday 5th April 2006
ANFIELD ONLINE LFC NEWS

NANDO: I'M NOT DONE AT ANFIELD!

We like a bit of fighting talk here at Anfield Online, and Fernando Morientes came out and gave a load of it today after question marks hang over his Liverpool career which is slowly showing signs a year on of spluttering in to starting..

Benitez is keen to re-shape his squad for next season, especially up front as The Reds have struggled for goals this season, and it was the lack of goals which ultimately saw them dumped out of the UEFA Champions League.

Djibril Cisse's future is also a doubt while Robbie Fowler does not know if his short-term deal will be extended after his emotional return to Merseyside.

Morientes is keen to be one of the men that stays though, and says that he is up for the challenge of proving himself at Liverpool

"I have not dodged a challenge anywhere in my career," said Morientes.

"I have a lot to offer this club, although I know I haven't played to my full level as often as I would have liked. But my best is coming.

"It does not matter what you have achieved in the past, it is irrelevant.

"You always have something to prove.

"I have a four-year contract here and I will be running as hard in the last year of my contract as I did in the first year.

"I have seen people elsewhere who have played hard at the time of contract renewals and done enough to get what they wanted. Once they have the security of a long-term deal they ease off and don't perform the way they have previously.

"That happens sometimes but not at this club because the manager would not tolerate it.

"It took longer than expected to adapt to the physical demands of the English game. You do not get any time on the ball at all before someone is on top of you and snapping at your heels.

"It's very different to the way I had played before in my career, but now I have now adapted to it better I am really enjoying it. I certainly won't be dodging a challenge at Liverpool."

Although he is battling with the likes of Fowler for a starting spot, Morientes says he hopes the Anfield legend will get a new deal.

"Whether you have a short-term contract like Robbie or a longer deal like the rest of us, you should always be giving everything to prove you are an asset. That has always been my philosophy," Morientes added to LFC Magazine.

"I'm very aware of what Robbie has achieved in the past and from watching him work, train and play I know what he can achieve in the future. It's very important he gets a new contract.

"He's a real idol to the fans here and I think he's partly responsible for people going to the game almost with an extra spring in their step because they know they can expect something special from him.

"He's a top international goalscorer for England, he's been a top goalscorer for Liverpool and his career statistics speak for themselves. I hope he gets a new offer from the club because he's still a top player."

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