Daniel Sturridge has spoken about the incredible pain and frustration that his injury caused him, and how he now can't wait to get out there and sample the atmosphere of a European night at Anfield.
After playing a huge role in Liverpool's successfull campaing last season, a five month injury layoff prevented him from starring for the Reds in their ill fated Champions League group- which they were knocked out of. Now back from injury, Sturridge can finally make his long awaited European debut two years after joining.
Sturridge said: “It is my European debut with Liverpool and I’m looking forward to it really much – it’s incredible to think really. I can’t wait to finally get out there and actually have my debut with Liverpool in Europe – I’m hoping I can enjoy a successful debut.
“I’ve waited such a long time to play this game, it has been very difficult for myself to sit out and watch all those games we have played in the Champions League without being part of it, very, very hard."
The striker has struggled with injuries throughout his Liverpool career but has lit up the pitch when playing, scoring and incredible 37 goals in his first 50 games for the club. He spoke about how he has to accept the injuries, and hopefully they're in the pass now.
“I have to be positive about it though and look forward – it’s part of football, every player goes through injuries at some point in their career so for me, it is even better to be back and be part of the team, trying to win games in Europe. I just want to get out there and play now, and enjoy it and hopefully have some success with the team.
“I’ve sat in the stands and seen it, and I am looking forward to tasting that atmosphere – I am looking forward to the game so much and it is going to be exciting for me. I can’t wait.”
In his time at Chelsea, Sturridge picked up three medals however was benched for each of those finals. He's keen to reach one with Liverpool, and play a bigger part than he did in London.
“We have to get there first. It is a dream, I think so yeah, it is a big target for me. But I played a big part in those cup runs with Chelsea, I was top scorer for Chelsea in the FA Cup when we won it, I played a big part in the Champions League prior to the final, and in the FA Cup and Premier League I played my part in those games.
"So I am not going to diminish what I achieved – the finals are down to tactics, and you just never know whether you will play or not. I may get to finals with Liverpool and not play. Like I said, you just never know, but the big thing is to help give the team a chance to get there."