By Mighty Reds
January 20 2006

Fernando Morientes is eager to repay Liverpool fans for the faith they’ve shown in him since his transfer a year ago. He’s hoping his recent good form will help them in this week-ends showdown with Manchester United. It was gainst United at Anfield that Nando made his debut for the Reds, United won 1-0. He admits the game passed him by but he’s far more familiar with the Premiership now and hopes to rectify that.

He told liverpoolfc.tv:

"Yes, that was a bad match," remembers Morientes. "It was bad because we lost the game and because I didn't really do myself justice on the day. I had only just arrived in Liverpool but I was so desperate to play and experience the famous Anfield atmosphere that I'd heard so much about.

"Liverpool v Manchester United is very similar to Real Madrid v Barcelona or Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid back in Spain. And despite my performance and the poor result the one thing that didn't disappoint was the atmosphere. It was unbelievable.

"This is a fixture that means so much to our supporters and we the players know that. Looking ahead to Sunday we are very focused on what is a crucial game. If we win we will go second in the table but it'll be difficult because Manchester United are a very good team with some very good individual players in their squad. Given the circumstance, with two games in hand, a draw would not represent a bad result but we will be going out there to try to win and play attacking football in the process.

"The spirit within this team is very good. We are working hard, winning games, scoring goals and playing well. We have a lot of confidence and are looking to get three points from every game we play."


"I am really enjoying it at Liverpool now," continues Nando. "For me to be here is a very good thing. The first three months were difficult as my English was very bad and I was struggling for fitness having not played much for Real prior to my move.

"Now it's improving and my life in Liverpool is good. My family is very happy here too and my children speak English no problem.

"After playing for so long in La Liga it was a struggle adapting to life in the Premiership at first. The style is very different. It's a lot stronger over here but now I prefer the Premiership to La Liga.

"I want to stay at Liverpool for a long time because the fans are yet to see the best of me. They (the supporters) really are unbelievable and very different to those in Spain. They sing all the time and really get behind you from the first whistle. Their support means so much to me and I want to repay them for the faith they have shown in me."


Allowing himself to briefly think further ahead, he adds: "To miss out last season's Champions League triumph was a source of great frustration. The team did ever so well and I was extremely happy for all of my team-mates but I'd have loved to be part of it.

"I was always well aware of the situation though so I can't complain and I'll still never forget that night in Istanbul. It was an unbelievable night. I was doing co-commentaryfor a Spanish television station but once the game was over I made my way straight down onto the pitch where I celebrated with the lads as if I'd played in the game itself. That night meant so much to everyone at the club.

"This season is different, I can play, I'm enjoying it and I'll be doing all I can to try and help Liverpool Football Club win a sixth European Cup."