Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Kuyt: I'm Really Happy At Anfield

Striker Dirk Kuyt has reiterated how happy he is at Liverpool.

Rafael Benitez was quick to play down media speculation last week linking the player with a move elsewhere - words which came as music to the Dutch international's ears.

"I'm really happy at Liverpool and I want to stay here for as long as the club wants me," Kuyt told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"I am really settled here and I like the city. The most important thing is I like the club and I've really enjoyed the two seasons I've been here. The only thing I am missing is some trophies and hopefully that will come in the next year.

"I've never had any intentions of leaving this club. Sometimes things are said in the press but the boss said to me that is not relevant and he wants me here with Liverpool."

The Reds number 18 is now focusing on tonight's Champions League qualifier with Standard Liege, and while the team have been in good form during pre-season, Kuyt insists the hard work starts now against tricky Belgian opposition.

"The team has been working really hard and the new players have adapted well," said the 28-year-old.

"The last three games we have had some good results against Rangers, Valerenga and Lazio, but let's see where we are after this week. If we start well on Wednesday and then against Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday, then we will have had a good pre-season.

"We know that we are a good team. We have a lot of confidence and we've just got to show that in the first games of the season.

"I know a bit about Liege. Belgium is close to Holland and I know their league. Maybe it isn't as good as a couple of years ago but they are still a good team with a few talented young players.

"It will definitely be tough for us and hopefully we can get a good result. I think it's really important to have the second game at home. Every team in Europe is difficult to beat but it's good for us because the distance is not too far. Hopefully we can get the result we want and get through to the Champions League.

"This is a really important game for us so early in the season because we know if we were to lose we would be out of the Champions League. That's not what we want because we have had some really good results in that competition over the past few years."

Kuyt has also spoken about his role on the right-hand side of midfield, claiming he would play anywhere for the good of the team.

"I have always played as a striker in my career but in the national team I have played on the right," he added.

"I played there during Euro 2008 for Holland. I'm not really a right winger but I can play it my own way and I like it so far. The last 15 games of last season went really well. We were playing well as a team and I was scoring goals and giving assists.

"As long as I can be important for the team I'm happy to play on the right side. For me the most important thing is winning games and picking up trophies. That is more important to me than being a striker and scoring goals.

"I don't care if I play as a striker, a second striker or a right winger. I just want to play as many games as I can and be important for the team."

Kuyt also welcomed the summer acquisition of Robbie Keane.

"Robbie has so many qualities," he said. "Everyone knows him because he has played at a really good level for many years in the Premier League.

"With the signing of Robbie and the other new players hopefully we can make another good step forward.

"This is going to be my third season with Liverpool and every year the club brings in a new striker. That's Liverpool because the club always wants to progress and always wants to be better. It's a good thing because you have to perform better as well."

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