By Adithya Ananth
4 May 2011 11:40:00
EPL : Maxi Rodriguez , Bolton Wanderers vs Liverpool(Getty Images)
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Maxi Rodriguez has confirmed he wants to stay at Liverpool next season.
The 30-year-old, who moved to Anfield on a free transfer from Atletico Madrid last year, has cemented his place in the first-team at the club recently, and has scored four goals – including a hat-trick against Birmingham City – in his last two appearances.
There had been some reports in the past that the midfielder could be sold during the summer, but the former Espanyol man insists that he envisions remaining on Merseyside.
“I am really happy here,” Maxi said, according to the Liverpool Daily Post.
“The people have treated us really well.
“The type of life we have here, the way of life, is very different to what we were used to after nine years in Spain but I am enjoying everything.
“How can you not enjoy it? I am at a great club and it is great to play here.”
The recent performances put in by the midfielder has helped guide the Reds above Tottenham and into fifth place in the Premier League.
Maxi believes the ideal situation would have been to play in the Champions League, but the early season slump means that Europe’s second-tier competition is the realistic aim.
“Obviously it is everyone’s dream to play in the Champions League. Not just for the players, but for the club,” he said.
“That is where Liverpool want to be and deserve to be. But at the moment that is maybe not realistic so getting in the Europa League is our target.
“If we have to play in the Europa League, we will play in it and try to win it.”