“In life there’s times when have great periods and ones with difficult periods. In every normal job not just football it’s how you deal with those situations. A lot of people talk but I don’t listen. I worry about what I can do, what my family feel. I am blessed by God. I have no stresses. I am a happy guy. I’ve come a long way from Hockley in Birmingham and my roots are Jamaican – I’m blessed, I’m good.”
Sturridge was asked to address suggestions he was reluctant to play when not 100 per cent, or even that his religious beliefs played a part in his lack of game time.
“To say a player doesn’t want to play is the biggest disrespect ever to any footballer and it’s astonishing,” said Sturridge.
“It’s very disappointing whoever was saying it. It’s football and of course people are entitled to opinions but all I can say is don’t think anyone will understand how much it means to me to play football.
“It’s all surprising to be honest – I didn’t know religion had anything to do with football. As a child you don’t think of those things. I will continue to do my best and focus on playing for Liverpool. That’s all that matters.
“I’m very ambitious, very determined to help Liverpool have some success. I am totally focused and of course I want to be on pitch playing in every game and it hurts not being able to play. I would be lying if didn’t say it. I have to be strong in those situations, I’m not at home chilling, I’m not out with friends living life to full. I’m not happy sitting in the stands. I’m devastated at watching them play. It hurts hearing second and third hand what people say. I’d say a lot of them aren’t the truth. All I want to do is help this team have success – that’s the most important thing, nothing else matters.”
Sturridge is expected to face Augsburg in the second leg of the Europa League, last 32 tie on Thursday. Liverpool face Manchester City in the League Cup Final on Sunday.
- Telegraph