Our fit again striker Daniel Sturridge has been interviewed by Tubes from Soccer AM, and spoken in length about his past, present and future.
The 26-year-old hasn’t played under Jurgen Klopp since the German took charge over a month back, but he’s resumed full training and has declared himself available for today’s trip to the Etihad.
Sturridge was brought up in City’s youth ranks, but left to join Chelsea, before he finally started fulfilling his potential at Anfield.
But the Sky Blues supporters still give him a mighty hard time after leaving for what they perceive as financial gain. Our striker though is adamant that his move was solely for football reasons, however.
“They’ve done a lot for myself and my family. They’re in my heart, regardless of whether the fans boo me or not,” he began.
“Of course they will [boo], they always do. They have a perception of me leaving for money, but I feel the opportunity was never there for me.
“They bought a lot of centre-forwards at the time. I think they had seven or eight players in the time I was there that they bought in my position, so I didn’t think my chances were at that club.
“It was never about the money. City are one of the richest clubs in the world and were when I left.
“I’m looking forward to being there and being involved. We’ll see how it goes. It’s going to be a great day.”
The forward, whose goal to game ratio is better than any Liverpool striker in Premier League history, also discussed his friendships within the squad and his feelings towards Liverpool enemy Raheem Sterling.
If Sturridge gets on the field, he’ll likely be directly up against the £49m starlet who caused such controversy in the summer by leaving to join the Premier League favourites.
“Jordon Ibe is my brother and I take him under my wing,” Sturridge added.
“When I was his age, I didn’t necessarily have a player who would try and help me every single day to push me and try to make me improve as a footballer. That’s what I try to do with him.
“I have to do it. Raz knows as well that he is another one of my brothers and I used to tell him the same stuff. You have to take your game to the next level.
“I would never take credit for Raheem moving to Man City or for Jordon playing in the team week in and week out, but I will say I still keep in contact with Raheem and tell him ‘well done’ when he does well.
“It doesn’t matter whether he plays for Liverpool, for Man City or whoever, it’s about being friends with someone and trying to help them be the best they can be in life.”