I’ll play in any role, says new Red Sturridge
ENGLAND striker Daniel Sturridge insists he will not make demands over his playing position after completing his £12m move from Chelsea to Liverpool.
The 23-year-old grew frustrated with his limited opportunities as a centre-forward during three and a half years at Stamford Bridge, but has pledged to play wherever Brendan Rodgers deploys him.
“I see myself as a striker,” said Sturridge. “I think I perform best there because my attributes, I believe, are best as a central striker. But I have played on the wing and have learned a lot doing so.
“I’d never refuse to play in that position and I’ve never demanded to play up front, either. Whatever the manager wants me to do, I will do.”
Sturridge’s long-anticipated departure for Merseyside came as Chelsea closed in on the £7.5m signing of Newcastle and Senegal forward Demba Ba.
The former Manchester City trainee, who scored 24 goals in 96 games after moving to Chelsea for £3.5m, was not eligible for last night’s Premier League match against Sunderland but is already planning a long stay.
“It’s a humongous club, one of the biggest in the world, and to have the fans and world-class players we have here is amazing,” Sturridge added.
“I’m just happy the manager has put faith in me. He is the first manager to actually pay for me.”