Agger Pledges Loyalty To Liverpool

Daniel Agger insists he wants to stay at Liverpool despite the turmoil currently surrounding the club.

Liverpool remain up for sale, but there is little evidence to suggest a takeover deal is close and there are widespread reports they could cash in on their star players this summer.

Agger, currently on international duty with Denmark, says he is shocked that Rafael Benitez has left the club but insists he wants to stay at Anfield.

"I'm a little surprised because I didn't see it coming," Agger said in the Liverpool Echo. "Of course there has been a lot of talk about it but I didn't see it happening right now. The time with him was good.

"He is a good manager, he knows his stuff and he knows what football is about. When I return from my summer holiday, I'll see what is new, but his exit has no bearing on my future. I'm committed to Liverpool."

Fulham Insist Liverpool Have Yet To Make An Official Approach For Roy Hodgson

Liverpool have not yet made a formal approach for Fulham manager Roy Hodgson, the London club confirmed today.

As speculation increases that the Merseysiders will open talks with Hodgson before he heads off to the World Cup on Wednesday to act as a pundit for the BBC, Fulham said there has not yet been any contact from Anfield.

“We have had no official approach from Liverpool about Roy Hodgson,” a club spokesperson told Goal.com UK.

Although Cottagers owner Mohamed Al Fayed has been quoted as saying he is confident of holding on to the manager, it is expected that Liverpool will step up their search for Rafael Benitez’s successor by contacting the 62-year-old before he heads out to South Africa.

But Fayed, who appointed Hodgson in December 2007, believes Hodgson has no reason to leave Craven Cottage.

“I don’t think he’ll leave me,” Fayed said. “I’m sure he’ll have lots of approaches from other clubs, but I give him anything he wants to reach results and we have a very good relationship.”

Hodgson, who guided Fulham to the Europa League final this season and has previous experience across Europe, including two spells with Inter Milan, has a 12-month rolling contract, negotiated last summer.

However, it contains a clause which allows him to leave a top club for a compensation figure of around £2.5 million.

Despite the expectation that Liverpool’s directors will give the green light to approach Fulham, there is a growing clamour among Anfield supporters for club legend Kenny Dalglish to take over for a second spell at the club.

Dalglish, the current club ambassador given the task of helping managing director Christian Purslow to find Benitez’s successor, has told friends that he would like the job, although he is not willing to compromise the board in any way by making his interest in the position public.

Liverpool FC Deny Agreeing Deal To Sell Want-Away Midfielder Yossi Benayoun To Chelsea

Liverpool dismissed suggestions they have agreed a deal to sell want-away midfielder Yossi Benayoun to Chelsea.

Several reports emerged last night which claimed Benayoun had effectively wrapped up a move to Stamford Bridge by negotiating a four-year contract.

Though it is almost certain the Israeli midfielder will leave Anfield this summer, Reds officials have moved quickly to make it clear they have not entered into discussions with their Chelsea counterparts – nor are they in any hurry to do so.

With Chelsea allowing Joe Cole to leave on a free transfer, they are eager to bring in a midfielder with craft and guile and their search has brought them to Benayoun.

The 30-year-old – who only put pen-to-paper on an improved deal at Anfield 12 months ago – is understood to be anxious to leave Merseyside and has been linked with several clubs, including Serie A side Roma, in recent weeks.

Benayoun, ironically, first cast doubt on his Reds future after Liverpool were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea on May 2, when he stating that “he couldn’t say for sure” whether he would be at Anfield on the opening day of the new campaign.

But Liverpool, however, are not simply going to step aside and let Benayoun quit the club without a fight; for starters, they would be anxious to consider the views of their new manager – Roy Hodgson remains the favourite.

Yet they are also realistic to know that Benayoun, clearly, has his heart set on securing one more lucrative move before the end of his career and it now seems all the more apparent that the former West Ham has played his last game for the club.

Benitez Takes Liverpool Target To Inter

Serbian winger Milos Krasic is set to seal a move to Inter Milan in the coming weeks after the Italian club lodged a firm offer with CSKA Moscow ahead of talks in the Russian capital. It is understood that Rafael Benitez is the driving force behind the move for the tricky wide man and had been intending to take the 25-year-old to Anfield. Manchester United and Manchester City have also been heavily linked with the player after he impressed in the Champions League this season.

Tipped to provide competition to Nani and Valencia at Manchester United and as a replacement for Martin Petrov, Robinho and Craig Bellamy at Manchester City it looks as though Benitez had formally contacted Krasic’s representatives as he looked to strengthen the wide positions at Anfield. However, having had his transfer budget slashed by Liverpool’s American owners and having failed to secure Champions League football, the Spaniard left Merseyside to take over at reigning European champions Inter Milan.

Having added the Champions League title to a domestic double, Inter are flush with cash from both prize money and television revenue. Already promised funds to shape the Nerazzurri in his own image it has been confirmed that Krasic has been approached by Benitez and is open to a move to Italy. The news of the continental competition will come as a blow to Roberto Mancini at Manchester City and Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, while for Liverpool supporters it is just another dent in their aspirations to wrestle back their status as one of England’s top clubs.

"Rafa wanted Milos when he was at Liverpool and now he is at Inter they have made a written offer," said Krasic's agent Dejan Joksimovic.

"We have been in negotiations with Juventus as well, but Inter are coming to Moscow to speak to his club about him in the next few days.

"There was interest from the top clubs in England, but they weren't quick enough.

"It is almost 100 per cent Milos will be going to Italy."

Doubt has also been cast over the transfer of Standard Liege free agent Milan Jovanovic after reports in Serbia and Italy hinted that the striker’s move to Liverpool could be cancelled following Benitez’s departure. In a move which would further rankle the Kop, it is believed that Jovanovic, a compatriot of Krasic, could also move to Inter Milan.

New President Sets Sights On Steven Gerrard

Barcelona are reportedly considering a move for Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard. Newly installed president Sandro Rossell has his eyes set on Arsenal man Cesc Fabregas but if he fails to secure the Spaniard he will push for a move to bring the England midfielder to the Nou Camp.

Rossell has stated publicly that he will not be spending vast sums to bring in countless Galatico style signings but has suggested that one big name could be sought this summer and it appears that the England captain is a fall back option if Arsene Wenger manages to fend off moves for the Emirates star.

The £40m rated one club man has had something of a disappointing season but his own very high standards and the recent dismissal of Rafa Benitez along with the sorry financial state the club is in has led some to believe that Steven Gerrard would consider a move away from Anfield.

Clearly Tom Hicks and George Gillett would be very unwise to consider selling one of the clubs top performers, especially after such a torrid season, however if an offer was made and the 30 year old made it clear he was open to such an offer then that may make things problematic.

Barcelona are not the kind of club to give up lightly in pursuit of a target. They have hounded Arsenal for years in the hope of bringing their former youth team player back to the club, so if they really do push for a move to bring Gerrard to La Liga then expect the Catalan club to use any means necessary to win his signature. Real Madrid have also been linked with a move for the mercurial Reds hero.

Barcelona Set To Step Up Pursuit Of Liverpool Star Fernando Torres

Barcelona are prepared to make a £70 million move for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres this summer.

Sandro Rosell, the new Barcelona president is determined to pair Torres with his international striker partner David Villa, who the Catalan giants recently acquired from Valencia, according to The Mirror.

Chelsea and Manchester City are also ready to open their wallets for the 26-year-old superstar who suffered through an injury-plagued season at Anfield this season.

Any attempts to sign Torres might hinder Barcelona’s chance to bring Arsenal skip Cesc Fabregas to the Nou Camp as the Catalan giants would struggle to afford both players.

Torres, who played for Atletico Madrid during his time in La Liga, has acknowledged that the only club in Spain he would join would be Barcelona.

With Rafael Benitez joining Inter Milan, Liverpool is left managerless at the moment, and with the turmoil occurring at Anfield there are fears that Torres and Steven Gerrard could leave the club this summer.

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho would be very interested in bringing Gerrard with him to the Bernabeu, while a lack of Champions League football could lead Torres to leave Liverpool as well.

Benitez To Bid For Liverpool's Johnson If Maicon Joins Real Madrid

With right-back Maicon looking increasingly likely to leave Inter Milan for Real Madrid, new San Siro boss Rafa Benitez will look to replace him with Liverpool's Glen Johnson, according to Spanish daily AS.

Maicon is considered one of the world's top full-backs, particularly due to his attacking style. The Brazilian scored seven goals in 46 appearances in Inter’s Treble winning season.

There has been intense speculation that Maicon will follow Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid. The player's agent Antonio Caliendo added fuel to the rumours yesterday by stating that, "The most likely scenario clearly remains Madrid."

He added that only the fee remained a stumbling block to the deal, but he commented, "I believe that with two prestigious directors such as Moratti and Florentino (Perez), it is not difficult to reach an agreement."

Should Maicon move to the Bernabeu, Spanish newspaper AS reports that new Inter Milan boss Rafa Benitez will look to raid his former club Liverpool, to sign Glen Johnson.

Benitez brought Johnson to Anfield a year ago in a reported £18 million transfer from Portsmouth. Johnson's performances were a rare highlight in a deeply disappointing season for Liverpool.

The 25-year-old is currently starring for England at the World Cup and should his stock rise during the tournament, AS indicates that Benitez may look to take advantage of Liverpool's uncertain financial future to lure the right-back to Italy.

Jamie Carragher: The Champions League Is Better Than The World Cup

Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher believes that the Champions League is superior to the World Cup.

Carragher insists that the European Cup is a step up from the World Cup due to the fact that the big clubs around the world can buy whatever stars they please, with no national allegiance hindering the building of an all-star team.

"We talk all the time about whether the World Cup is a step up for us as players but I'm with what Jose Mourinho said the other day," Carragher told The Mirror.

"The Champions League is the highest level because teams can go and buy whoever they want.

"As far as players on the pitch are concerned, I think Barcelona and all the top teams in Europe would give Brazil and Spain a game.

The Liverpool veteran thinks that players are looser when playing for their club teams, allowing for the stars to play better and the competition to be better as a result.

"The pressure of playing [for your country] is more intense than playing for your club. Most players play better for their clubs because they are used to it and I would say the latter stages of the Champions League is the better spectacle.

"But what is different is the pressure with playing for country because you are going onto the pitch representing everyone.

"Look at what's happened to Robert Green. You are under so much scrutiny. If you make a mistake like that for your club there wouldn't be so much scrutiny."

Liverpool Demand Mega Bucks For Real Madrid & Inter Milan Target Johnson

Liverpool have slapped a huge price-tag on star fullback Glen Johnson.

The England ace is wanted by his former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid and also Inter Milan's new coach Rafa Benitez.

Barcelona could also come in for Johnson should Daniel Alves accept a mega bucks offer from Manchester City this summer.

The Daily Star Sunday says Liverpool chiefs are aware of growing interest on the continent for Johnson and have told intermediaries the fullback will not leave for anything less than £28 million.

Yossi Benayoun 'Set For Liverpool To Chelsea Transfer On Four-Year Deal'

Liverpool winger Yossi Benayoun is set to make a surprise move to Premier League rivals Chelsea this summer after agreeing terms on a four-year contract, according to reports in his native Israel.

The Sport 5 website claims Benayoun, 30, is set to move to Stamford Bridge after the clubs agreed a fee in the region of £6million.

The Israeli international winger enjoyed a solid season with the Reds last year despite their disappointing campaign.

And it seems Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti is to bring him in as a like-for-like replacement for fellow wide-man Joe Cole, who has been allowed to leave on a free transfer.

Last month, former West Ham star Benayoun is said to have hinted at a move back to London by claiming Ancelotti 'wants me for next season'.

'Everything depends on Liverpool,' he is quoted as saying.

'Chelsea will have to pay some £6million but I believe that in the end I'll be moving there.'

Benayoun's future at Anfield has been under scrutiny since the departure of manager Rafa Benitez was confirmed earlier this month.

It remains to be seen if the tricky winger will be the first of many stars to leave the club this summer, with speculation also surrounding the futures of star striker Fernando Torres and club captain Steven Gerrard.

Liverpool Star Javier Mascherano Reveals He's Learning Italian

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has revealed that he is learning to speak Italian, as speculation grows that he could be set to join manager Rafael Benitez at Inter.

Reports in Italy have suggested that the Argentine, currently away at the World Cup in South Africa, has become one of Benitez's main transfer targets for next season, with Liverpool's financial situation making player sales at Anfield more likely.

Mascherano has not given any direct indication that he is set to leave Anfield, though he expects his future to be resolved after the World Cup.

"I am learning Italian while I'm here in South Africa," he told reporters.

"I don't know what I will do after the tournament. We shall see."

Inter Set To Have Discussions About Liverpool's Javier Mascherano On Tuesday

Inter director Marco Branca is set to meet with Liverpool officials on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of bringing across midfielder Javier Mascherano.

Having already lured coach Rafael Benitez from Anfield to the San Siro, the Nerazzurri also wish to do the same with the Argentine captain.

Branca will meet Mascherano's agent to inquire about the possibility of the defensive midfielder moving to Milan, according to Sky Sport 24.

Mascherano has a contract with the Reds until June 2012, with the side placing a €25 million price-tag on the star player.

The 26-year-old is currently focusing on helping La Albiceleste win their third World Cup in South Africa.

Mancini Attempts To Sweeten Cheeky Deal To Sign Gerrard

Manchester City are reportedly ready to offer midfielder Stephen Ireland in any potential deal to land Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard. Roberto Mancini has been linked with repeated hopeful attempts to land the Anfield hero and is now willing to offer players as part of any big money deal to sign the England captain.

Although any hopes of signing the 29 year old midfielder seem doomed, the Eastlands side is not ready to give up just yet and believe that offering talented Irish international Ireland into the bargain may tempt the Merseyside outfit to consider a sale.

Liverpool were thought to be interested in Ireland during Rafa Benitez’s reign but without a manager in place it seems even less likely that any deal would be accepted. Owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are under immense pressure from the club’s fans after lumbering the club with massive debts and even though a sale would help repay some of the debt the ramifications of selling the talismanic player would surely be too much for the American pair to consider.

Jovanovic Features In Loss

Milan Jovanovic featured for Serbia as they opened their World Cup Group D campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Ghana on Sunday.

Jovanovic - who will reportedly sign for Liverpool from Standard Liege this summer - showed some neat touches including a cheeky nutmeg during a 76-minute outing on the left of midfield.

He should have done better, however, after getting himself in a good position inside the box on 49 minutes.

The game was eventually decided with a late penalty converted by Asamoah Gyan.

Aleksandar Kolarov and Marko Pantelic both came close for Serbia with long-range efforts in the first half, but it wasn't until the second period that the match opened up.

Ghana midfielder Dede Ayew headed wide at the back post on 54 minutes when he should have hit the target, while Gyan came within inches of opening the scoring after a giant throw from Fulham's John Pantsil

At the other end, Birmingham-bound Nikola Zigic was also wasteful, the 6'8 striker spooning a shot from four yards.

Serbia had to play the final 16 minutes with 10 men after Aleksandar Lukovic was sent off for a second yellow card. The dismissal meant Jovanovic was sacrificed as Radomir Antic looked to secure a point.

They almost snatched all three late on when Miloss Krasic and Nemanja Vidic spurned decent chances.

But it was Ghana who ended up clinching victory after a handball from Zdravko Kuzmanovic gifted them a penalty with seven minutes to go. Gyan stepped up to smash home and there was no way back.

In fact it was Ghana that looked most likely to score next, Gyan clattering the post in injury-time.

Jamie Carragher Backs Liverpool FC Team-Mate Steven Gerrard For England Holding Role

Jamie Carragher believes England’s World Cup skipper Steven Gerrard can play the holding midfield role “as well as anyone in the world.”

Gerrard scored England’s opening goal in the tournament during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with the United States, slotting home a perfectly weighted pass from Emile Heskey.

But the 30-year-old also showed his worth in making several vital tackles and interceptions when dropping back.

Carragher, who replaced the injured Ledley King at half-time, said: “It’s a great achievement to captain your country at the World Cup and I thought Stevie was outstanding.

“That was not just because of the goal but because he was snapping into tackles as well.

“Sometimes people say Stevie and Frank Lampard can’t play in that role – but Stevie can play the holding role as well as anyone in the world.

“He can play right back, off the front man, central midfield, attack.

“At times that’s a problem for us because he can play so well in so many different positions. He leads by example and that’s what he did against USA.”

Carragher feels England will benefit from having played at altitude in terms of their fitness for the rest of the tournament. He said: “We will look at the game, look at the video look at the statistics and different things.

“But, at the end of the season and at the end of a match like that, everyone’s going to feel it and that’s both teams.

“Maybe it (adjusting to the altitude) will improve as we go on. It is always the same at the World Cup.

“As you go on, you adjust more to the conditions. You don’t look 100 per cent in the first game.”

Carragher admitted he had to pull out of a tackle on USA striker Jozy Altidore when he burst through on goal for fear of being sent off after having already been booked.

It needed a fine save from Robert Green to deny the player who spent last season on loan at Hull and partially atoned for his goal-costing error in the first half.

Carragher said: “It was good play by him (Altidore) but I probably got a bit too tight to him.

“I had been booked early on so I couldn’t afford to make the tackle because I was worried about being sent off.

“But credit to Rob Green he made a great save that shows the mental strength and character of the man after what happened with the goal.”

Carragher also admits he expects to learn a lot from England coach Fabio Capello during the next month after being coaxed out of international retirement by the Italian.

He said: “It’s a learning curve for me. I might be 32 now but you never stop learning. He has been one of top managers over last 15-20 years so over the next four or five weeks I’m sure I will learn a lot from him.

“It is a similar way of working to Rafa (Benitez) really, so I’m used to that and I think the players want that sort of intensity.”

Johnson: We're Looking Forward

Glen Johnson insists England's focus has already turned to Friday's clash with Algeria following the disappointment of their 1-1 draw with USA.

Steven Gerrard's early strike appeared to set Fabio Capello's men on their way to the perfect start in South Africa, but Clint Dempsey's leveller - aided by Robert Green - salvaged a point for the Americans.

Slovenia's victory over Algeria means they lead Group C going into the second round of games, but Johnson believes there were enough positives to take from England's display in Rusetnburg to signal a change in fortunes as the tournament progresses.

"It's disappointing we didn't win the game but the lads are quite happy with the performance and we look forward to the next game," said the Liverpool defender.

"The manager said he was happy with the performance and felt we were unlucky not to win the game," he added.

"The Algeria game is the most important now and we'll worry about that first and see what happens."

Jamie Carragher Insists England’s World Cup Dream Isn’t Over

Jamie Carragher today insisted England’s dreams of World Cup glory are still intact – as he targeted a first competitive start for his country since October 2006.

Liverpool’s vice-captain played the second half of England’s deflating 1-1 draw with the United States on Saturday in Rustenburg and accepts the result leaves Fabio Capello’s squad with no margin for error.

Slovenia’s victory over Algeria yesterday means England must win both their remaining games in Group C if they are to progress but Carragher remains confident of reaching the last 16.

After returning to his hotel in Sun City in the early hours of yesterday morning, he watched a DVD of the match again and is adamant England played better than the result suggested.

“The first game you play is always so hard,” said Carragher. “Look back at the tournaments in which England have done well – the World Cups in 1966 and 1990 and Euro 96 – and you will see they all started with draws.

“I always remember Gerard Houllier saying before the start of the season when we won the treble was that the most difficult game we would play would be the first and he was right; that day we needed a late goal from Emile (Heskey) to beat Bradford.

“No matter how well your preparations have gone, or how good your squad is, you are never going to win 4-0 or 5-0 in the first game – unless you’re Germany! Of course it was disappointing to draw after Stevie had put us in front but the USA are a good side.

“We could have won but credit to them as they fought back and probably deserved the draw. We’ve got a point and now we have just got to make sure we win our remaining games.”

Ledley King’s groin problem has ruled him out of the game against Algeria in Cape Town on Friday and Carragher would love the chance to slot in alongside John Terry, if Capello gives him the nod.

The last time Carragher began a meaningful international fixture was when England were beaten 2-0 by Croatia in Zagreb almost four years ago but, with Michael Dawson also pressing, he is not getting ahead of himself.

“It is up to the manager,” said Carragher. “I realised when I came out here that I was part of the squad, not part of the starting line-up; I was just hoping at one point I’d get a chance to come on.

“To come on so soon was a bonus. I don’t know whether Ledley is going to be out or what the manager’s plans are but, of course, I’d love to start against Algeria. We’ll just have to see what happens.”

Roy Hodgson will head out to the World Cup this week still waiting to hear whether he is going to be offered one of the biggest jobs in English football and become Liverpool boss.

The Fulham manager has made it clear to the Anfield hierarchy that he wants his future sorted out before he begins a stint as a pundit in South Africa.

Hodgson, who took Fulham to the Europa League final last season, feared he was being kept in reserve as Liverpool failed to attract a world-renowned coach such as Louis van Gaal, Guus Hiddink or Marcello Lippi.

But with a growing bandwagon of support for Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool have realised they must move quickly to stop themselves being pressurised into appointing the Scot.

They plan talks with 62-year-old Hodgson in the next 48 hours, while Aston Villa's Martin O'Neill could also be sounded out. Hodgson is due to fly to South Africa on Wednesday to work as a World Cup pundit for the BBC and Fulham hope Liverpool's hesitation will let them hang on to a manager who has turned them from relegation candidates to European finalists in less than three years.

A friend said: 'Why would Roy want to undertake a massive rebuilding job at Liverpool when they might lose Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano?

'Bill Shankly was only 42 when he went into Anfield - Roy's 20 years older than that. He is comfortable living in the south and has been active in arranging all of the club's pre-season friendlies.'

The key to Hodgson's future may depend on whether he believes he is the undisputed No1 choice at Anfield. Taking charge of one of Europe's traditional giants is an undoubted temptation for the current Manager of the Year. But he knows Liverpool are turning to him because other stellar names are not prepared to take up the challenge while the club are not in the Champions League.

To complicate matters, many fans want to see Dalglish in charge and past players have been queuing up to support his claims, to the irritation of some powerbrokers at the club.

Fulham would not be able to demand massive compensation for Hodgson, who signed a rolling one-year contract in March. But they hope the turmoil at Anfield will persuade him to have second thoughts.

Liverpool have been put up for sale by owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, and a £350million debt is likely to curb spending unless key players are sold.

Former boss Rafa Benitez, now at Inter Milan, hopes to take advantage by swooping for Mascherano, Dirk Kuyt and Serbia midfielder Milan Jovanovic, who signed an agreement to join Liverpool from Standard Liege.

Some at Anfield prefer Hodgson to Dalglish, seeing him as the safe pair of hands needed to bring stability after a turbulent year. But others are concerned that Hodgson's only experience at such a big club came more than a decade ago with Inter Milan.

Al Fayed: Hodgson Will Turn Down Liverpool

The battle for Roy Hodgson’s services is about to hot up.

Liverpool are on the brink of making an official approach for the Fulham boss.

Although it is unlikely Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed would try to stand in Hodgson’s way if the Reds come calling, the Craven Cottage supremo is confident that his manager is likely to reject a move to Anfield.

Al Fayed said: “I don’t think he’ll leave me. I’m sure he’ll have lots of approaches from other clubs, but I give him anything he wants to reach results and we have a very good relationship.”

Despite increasing ­speculation that Hodgson is Liverpool’s No.1 target, no official approach has yet been made.

In fact, at the recent Premier League summer AGM there was no formal or informal discussions about Hodgson by the two clubs.

Under the terms of Hodgson’s rolling one-year contract, Liverpool will only be required to find around £2million in compensation to secure his signature.

But a senior Fulham source said last night: “Roy’s his own man and if an approach was forthcoming I’m sure he will sit down and evaluate the situation. He is very private and keeps his own counsel, so you can never second guess what he’s going to do.

“However, the indications are it would take something extraordinary to convince him to leave Fulham and I’m not sure given all the documented financial problems at Liverpool he’d see that as ideal move.

“Roy has an incredibly good relationship with the owner as well.

“Given that he is pressing ahead with player recruitment for the new season, I’m not sure that is an indication he is planning to leave.”

Fernando Torres: Nobody Was More Hurt About Liverpool's Poor Season Than Steven Gerrard

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres insists that Steven Gerrard was more upset with the Reds poor Premier League season than any Anfield supporter.

After impressively finishing in second place last season, Liverpool missed out of the Champions League after a disappointing seventh place finish.

Torres acknowledged that Gerrard considers the Liverpool fans family and he is itching to win a Premier League title with the club.

“This season Liverpool have been written and talked about a lot,” Torres told the Daily Star.

“But what people forget is that fundamentally last season hurt the players and the boss.

“The club means a lot to us and the fans mean a lot to us. We didn’t want to give them a season like that.

“Trust me when I tell you nobody will be hurting more than Stevie.

“He is Mr. Liverpool and he sees the Liverpool fans as family. Last season really hurt him.

“He desperately wants to win the Premier League with Liverpool and every season that he does not do it hurts a bit more.

The Spain international is adamant that Gerrard is the perfect choice to captain England at the World Cup and believes that the Liverpool skipper is the finest captain he has played with.

“Stevie is the right choice as captain.

“With all due respect I would have made him captain anyway before the Rio Ferdinand injury.

“He is the best captain I have ever played under. As long as we don’t meet earlier, I see it being an England versus Spain final.

“They have fantastic players all over the pitch. I have been telling the Spanish lads all about them.

“I see Gerrard and Rooney on the same level as Messi, Xavi, Kaka, Ronaldo and the other top players.

“It would be a dream to play England in the final and an England-Spain final would be a showcase of the two best nations in world football.”