by Adam Marshall, 07 July 2008
Yossi Benayoun has made it crystal clear that he has absolutely no intention of leaving Liverpool because manager Rafa Benitez "loves" him.
The Israel midfielder has been linked with a number of clubs this summer, including Portsmouth, despite being more than pleased with his first campaign at Anfield.
Although he has already moved to deny reports of a transfer away from Merseyside, Benayoun has spoken in glowing terms about his relationship with Benitez and determination to remain at the club.
"It seems the media in Israel and England are in a contest to see who's more bored during the slow summer months," he told Ha'aretz.
"The media in England published a story [on] Friday that Rafael Benitez told me finally that I'm staying at Liverpool. These reports are the work of the writer's imagination because, even before the season ended, we determined that I would be staying.
"Benitez told me unequivocably [unequivocally] that he brought me here, that I had a very good season, that he's depending on me and that there's no way I'll leave Liverpool.
"I have very good chemistry with Benitez. He loves me. He bought me. I really enjoy being with him, moreover, I had an excellent season. I even surprised myself.
"Benitez didn't want to hear and isn't prepared to hear about any possibility of letting me go at any price.
"Liverpool is good for me and it was always clear I want to stay and Liverpool wants me. I got better offers financially but these tempting offers don't change my mind.
"If Liverpool wouldn't want me, I'd leave there in seconds. Even if I had a contract but I understood they didn't want me, I'd get up right away and leave.
"But I'm not leaving Liverpool."
Bit gay by Yossi
Yossi Benayoun has made it crystal clear that he has absolutely no intention of leaving Liverpool because manager Rafa Benitez "loves" him.
The Israel midfielder has been linked with a number of clubs this summer, including Portsmouth, despite being more than pleased with his first campaign at Anfield.
Although he has already moved to deny reports of a transfer away from Merseyside, Benayoun has spoken in glowing terms about his relationship with Benitez and determination to remain at the club.
"It seems the media in Israel and England are in a contest to see who's more bored during the slow summer months," he told Ha'aretz.
"The media in England published a story [on] Friday that Rafael Benitez told me finally that I'm staying at Liverpool. These reports are the work of the writer's imagination because, even before the season ended, we determined that I would be staying.
"Benitez told me unequivocably [unequivocally] that he brought me here, that I had a very good season, that he's depending on me and that there's no way I'll leave Liverpool.
"I have very good chemistry with Benitez. He loves me. He bought me. I really enjoy being with him, moreover, I had an excellent season. I even surprised myself.
"Benitez didn't want to hear and isn't prepared to hear about any possibility of letting me go at any price.
"Liverpool is good for me and it was always clear I want to stay and Liverpool wants me. I got better offers financially but these tempting offers don't change my mind.
"If Liverpool wouldn't want me, I'd leave there in seconds. Even if I had a contract but I understood they didn't want me, I'd get up right away and leave.
"But I'm not leaving Liverpool."
Bit gay by Yossi
completely won me over from being the poor man's garcia to the type of player everyone wants as an option in the team.
RAFA 
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