Daniel Sturridge has retained aspirations of playing regular football under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool next season as he looks to bounce back from the injury that hampered him and West Brom in their relegation run-in.
Albion appeared to have completed a coup when they signed the Brummie striker on loan in January, but Sturridge managed just six appearances and didn’t finish 90 minutes once in his five months at The Hawthorns.
The 28-year-old, whose injury problems have hampered his career in recent years, couldn’t help the Baggies as they slipped into the Championship.
Sturridge has since been linked with a move abroad, to Besiktas in Turkey, who were supposedly willing to accommodate his hefty wages.
Despite first-choice trio Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane being well clear of Sturridge in the Anfield pecking order, he is determined to make it work on Merseyside and still harbours hopes of featuring frequently under Klopp.
“I see myself staying at Liverpool, hopefully being part of the team week in, week out,” Sturridge told the Daily Mirror.
“Pre-season is going well, so for me it’s keeping my head down and building on that. I’m excited about the season ahead and it feels great to be back.
“Pre-season has started well for me and the team. I am feeling great and can’t wait to get the season under way.”