Liverpool vs Augsburg - Sturridge responds to claims he did not want to play for Liverpool

Posted Wednesday, February 24, 2016 by PA

Striker Daniel Sturridge has hit back at the critics who claimed he did not - and does not - want to play for Liverpool.

The injury-plagued 26-year-old has featured in the last three matches after two months sidelined by a hamstring injury, during which time there were questions about his commitment to the club.

Reports also emerged suggesting he was looking to leave in the summer after two years of injury frustration - and there were even suggestions the player's religious beliefs were something else holding him back - but he dismissed all those claims.

"To say a player doesn't want to play is the biggest disrespect you could ever say to a footballer," he said.

"I think it is astonishing, disappointing - whoever is saying it - but that's football and people are entitled to their opinions.

"I would probably say a lot of the things people say about me aren't true.

"I don't listen to social media but it is surprising [to be questioned] - I didn't know religion had anything to do with football.

"I don't think anyone will understand how much it means to me to play football and I'll continue to do my best and focus on Liverpool.

"It's important to worry about the present. It has been a difficult time being injured but it is part of football and now I'm looking forward to the future, of course with Liverpool.

"There is not much to stress about the situation; I'm pretty relaxed, I've been relaxed and I'm happy here."