Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani eager to salvage Anfield career

Alberto Aquilani says he wants to salvage his Liverpool career under the Reds' new manager Brendan Rodgers

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By TSR staff Thursday 26 July 2012, 13:09 UK

Alberto Aquilani made 23 appearances for AC Milan last seasonPhoto: D Knopf via Flickr

alberto aquilani

Alberto Aquilani admits he is desperate to salvage his Liverpool career following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers as Kenny Dalglish’s successor.

The 28-year-old has only made 18 appearances for Liverpool since he was signed by Rafael Benítez in a £20m deal from Roma in 2009.

Aquilani was plagued by injury problems in the 2009-10 campaign and former Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson sent the Italy international on loan to Juventus.

Rodgers’ predecessor Kenny Dalglish also deemed Aquilani surplus to requirements last summer and AC Milan secured the midfielder’s services for a season.

“How can you pay £20m for a player and this player is never taken into consideration?” Aquilani told BBC Sport.

“I never asked to leave but I was always pushed by the club. I am here and I would like to play for Liverpool but it doesn’t depend only on me.

“I had a very good talk with Brendan where we were able to share our thoughts and it was a very positive chat.

“I like his footballing philosophy and I like the mentality he has because it matches my own skills.”

Rodgers, who led Swansea City to an 11th-place finish last season, refused to be drawn on whether his plans for Liverpool involve Aquilani.

“I need to have a close look at Alberto,” added Rodgers. “It’s been difficult for him during his time in England, and this is probably the first period
where he’s felt happy, according to him, and he’s working.

“I need to assess, and that’s what I’m doing at the moment. Come the beginning of the season I hope to have a group that I’d like to go forward with on our journey this season. I’m assessing all the players, young and senior, at the moment.”