Finnish International Jari Litmanen says he was very surprised at the speed of his return for a 2nd spell with Dutch Giants Ajax.

Jari who had has not enjoyed the happiest of times at Anfield since his free transfer from Barcelona did not demand a move away from The Reds.

He told STT: "Even a week ago I was committed 100% to Liverpool and I believed I would play there until the end of the season and was not looking for a new club," he said.

"My thoughts changed at the beginning of the week.

"On Wednesday the matter was cleared up very quickly with Ajax and on Thursday Liverpool gave me the chance to leave.

"On Thursday evening and Friday the papers were finalised just before the ending of the transfer period.

"Everything happened so quickly. I have not yet fully grasped that I am not a Liverpool player any more and have returned to Ajax.

"My thoughts are fully now on Finland's upcoming Euro 2004 qualifier against Wales."