Gerrard Proud After Season Opener As Liverpool Close In On Sissoko Swoop
(OLABODE RAJI)
Write your abstracct hereThe reaction Steven Gerrard received from Liverpool supporters at Wrexham today convinced him he had made the right decision to stay at Anfield. Having stated his desire to leave the European champions on Tuesday, Gerrard performed an astonishing U- turn less than 24 hours later before signing a ne The England midfielder celebrated by parading the European Cup around the Racecourse Ground and playing the first 45 minutes of Liverpool's 4-3 friendly victory at Wrexham. Significantly, the chanting of his name by fans and rapturous applause throughout his time on the pitch suggested that he will suffer no backlash from the Kop. 'I didn't doubt that,' said Gerrard. 'I've got a fantastic relationship with the fans. I know they have been through a lot as well, which I'm not proud of. 'I feel as if I've made the right decision and as I said, I'm not proud of the week I've been through. It's been difficult and very confusing. And I wouldn't wish being in my shoes on any other person. But it's all behind me and I'd like to forget about it. Gerrard admitted he could understand the original anger and resentment felt by Liverpool supporters in the wake of his decision to end his 17-year association with the club. 'They were close to losing their best player, so I can understand people getting frustrated,' he said. 'The majority of the fans also realised what I was going through and put themselves in my shoes. And you can take it from me, it wasn't good.' Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez admitted his delight at securing the long-term future of Gerrard and defender Jamie Carragher, who also penned a new four-year deal yesterday. 'It's not only important for me, but for the club,' said the Spaniard, who revealed that Liverpool are poised to snatch Valencia midfielder Mohammed Sissoko from under the noses of Everton. Benitez, who also continues to be linked with a move for Southampton striker Peter Crouch, also admitted Luis Figo could yet sign for Liverpool. The Real Madrid winger has been working to negotiate his release from the Spanish giants, who have placed the move in jeopardy by demanding a £2million transfer fee. Liverpool were originally led to believe the 32- year- old, who cost £37million when he made his sensational move from Barcelona five years ago, would be available for nothing. Figo has been holding talks with president Florentino Perez in an attempt to resolve the matter, and Benitez said: 'I have some ideas about right wingers and maybe Figo is one of them. We are trying to sign two or three new players.' Benitez's side warmed up for Wednesday's Champions League first-round qualifier against Total Network Solutions with an entertaining if unconvincing victory at Wrexham. The Spaniard fielded virtually two different sides in either half at the Racecourse Ground. Fernando Morientes and Milan Baros scored twice in the first and second half respectively, while Mark Jones, Lee McEvilly and Rodney Jack netted for Wrexham. Liverpool have agreed to sign Mali midfielder Mohammed Sissoko from ValenciaThe 20-year-old, born in France, had also been targeted by Merseyside rivals Everton and will cost the European champions £5million. Sissoko is a powerful, attacking midfielder has spent two years in the Spanish league after joining from auxerres youth academy
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