Martin Skrtel

[G]

Can't wait for another season of this back and forth ****e

[McDermotX]

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/martin-skrtel-turned-down-inter-9648780

If there's one thing about this group of players, even the new ones, they know how to talk to the press. Asked about the VC at the end........would think if it was a certainty for the manager it would have been announced at the time of Henderson being confirmed, so there is probably a couple names floating around.

Martin Skrtel has revealed how he shunned the advances of Inter Milan before committing his long-term future to Liverpool.

The long-serving Reds centre-back put pen to paper on a three-year deal last week as lengthy negotiations finally reached a successful conclusion.

Skrtel, who was down to the final year of his previous contract, was initially unhappy with the appearance-linked terms he was offered and the Serie A outfit tried to take advantage of the stand-off and lure him to Italy.

However, the defender decided to stay put and much to his delight a compromise was agreed with Anfield officials

“Obviously there was talk about that (Inter Milan) but the priority for me was always to stay at Liverpool and sign a new contract here,” Skrtel said.

“Inter Milan are a big club but to my mind Liverpool are bigger.

“I am happy because I am staying at Liverpool and they were always my first choice.

“They changed the contract so obviously the talks were a little longer than they usually are but at the end of the day we agreed and that is the most important thing.

“Liverpool are one of the biggest and best football clubs in the world in my eyes and I was always dreaming about playing in England and for a big club like Liverpool.

“My dream came true and I have been here almost eight years in the city and we are used to it now. My son (Matteo) was born in Liverpool and that was one of the main reasons I wanted to stay.

“The thing is when you play for a club like Liverpool it’s not always just about the money, it’s about the fans, the people working for the club and everything about Liverpool.”

The 30-year-old, who arrived from Zenit St Petersburg in 2008, is preparing for a ninth season with the Reds.

Manchester City-bound Raheem Sterling may have decided he had to leave Anfield in order to win silverware, but Skrtel is convinced Liverpool can put the heartache of last season behind them and get back challenging for honours.

He’s been buoyed by the business Brendan Rodgers has done in the transfer market this summer to ensure the Reds push on following last term’s sixth placed finish.


“It’s always good when you sign new players early and they can spend all of pre-season together and get used to the team, get used to the players and get to know each other better,” Skrtel said.

“I have to say all the players that have come into the team so far this summer are all quality players and I have been very impressed. I hope we will be stronger and play better football than last season.

“Obviously we didn’t have a good season last year but I believe with the few new faces we have coming into the team now we will be stronger and playing better next season.

“That’s what I believe and we are working very hard every day to be fit and ready for the season and then the players will do the best we can and try and finish as high as we can.

“Obviously we have lost Steven (Gerrard) who was our captain and it will be difficult to replace him and now we have lost Raheem, but new players have come in. This season we have to play more as a team, work together and stick together on the pitch as well and then hopefully our performances and results will be better.”

Skrtel is a strong contender for the vice-captaincy which is vacant following Jordan Henderson’s promotion to skipper. However, he insists it hasn't been discussed yet.

“That’s not a question for me. I have heard nothing – nothing has been said to me about it,” he added.

[BootRoom]

Should be the VC.

[chadrtc]

I probably sound like a nutter here... But I'm pretty sure Martin is in Ant-Man. Which is weird, as if it was him then it's his second appearance in a Marvel movie.

[baitman]

a cracker of a game tonight. some of his last minute blocks reminded me of carragher in his pomp

[Fierce]

The bit where they showed Henry and then Henchoz skinning Carra was funny

[RichC]

Yup, decent game again. Him and Lovren have formed a decent partnership so far this season. The improvement in the fullback areas will have played no small part in this

[Shaggy]

When he's good he's got that heroic, Carra-esque last-ditch thing going on...and I've always found that endearing. Brilliant tonight I thought.

If Lucas goes won't he be our longest-serving player?

[RichC]

Yup.

[billy_mac]

Playing well but still puts the frightners up you. The mix up with Milner in our box the first half was comical and concerning. He's still prone to a wild swipe and was very fortunate not to score and OG. Long live 3 clean sheets and a settled back four .... somehow??

[Fosterbloke]

Playing well but still puts the frightners up you. The mix up with Milner in our box the first half was comical and concerning. He's still prone to a wild swipe and was very fortunate not to score and OG. Long live 3 clean sheets and a settled back four .... somehow??

I'm sure even the best defenders had their clown moments.

[RichC]

He had a good game yesterday, still drops too deep from time to time but fully committed as ever.

[dww]

He had a good game yesterday, still drops too deep from time to time but fully committed as ever.

I think with someone to pull him forward (rather than someone who wonders off like Lovren) he'd be excellent. It's a shame that he, Lovren and Mignolet all seem to lack communication/organizational skills.

[Chazza]

As the Lovren thread has been bumped only fair to bump this one innit?

Didn't see the game but heard he was poor....again.

[danperkins]

Very poor today