Daniel Sturridge has revealed that he’s “happy” at Liverpool, despite claims that he’s looking to leave the club amid criticism of his mentality and fitness.

The 26-year-old striker has recently returned to first-team action after an injury ravaged 18 months at Anfield in which he’s barely been able to play and has undergone surgery in a bid to put an end to his fitness concerns.

While Sturridge was out of action there were many fans and pundits openly questioning his commitment to the club and mental strength, and some reports even claimed that he was ready to move on in search of a fresh start.

Teams such as West Ham have been aligned with the prolific marksman, but Sturridge, speaking ahead of his side’s Europa League clash with Augsburg on Thursday, put rumours to bed by revealing that he’s “happy” on Merseyside:

“Now I’m looking forward to the future, of course with Liverpool. There’s not really much to worry about or stress about in this situation.” He is quoted by the Liverpool Echo.

“I’m pretty relaxed, I’ve been relaxed all the time, I’m happy here.

“I’m always had my family with me, my friends but it’s about football. Nothing more, nothing less and I’m happy to be playing.”

Sturridge went on to reveal that some of the pot-shots aimed at him have hurt his feelings, and that he’s been disappointed to have spent so long injured:

“You have to be strong in those situations, it’s important to understand that I’m not someone who’s sat at home chilling, I’m not out laughing and joking with friends living life to the fullest when I’m not playing. I’m not stress free, I’m not happy, I’m sitting in the stands devastated watching my teammates play.

“It hurts hearing second and third hand what people say. Of course I think a lot of the things people say about me aren’t the truth.”

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