Morientes relishes a debut against Man U

Anfield
By J Wade
January 14 2005

Fernando Morientes is hopeful that his transfer to Liverpool can be completed in time for Liverpool's game aginst Manchester United

Ex Real striker Fernando Morientes still needs to complete a mediccal at Anfield before the deal can be finalised. However Benitez is hoping to play Morientes in Liverpool's game against Manchester United at Anfield on Saturday

Morientes said his farewells to Real supporters this morning and admitted he turned down offers from other teams after he had set his heart on a move to Anfield

He said: "I am going to Liverpool and it was not a decision that I took in a second. My family and I thought about it a lot."

"I told the club that I wanted to play, I had various offers but I thought the most interesting one was Liverpool."

"Now all I can do is hope that the medical goes well and I am registered in time to play on Saturday."

"You can't ask for more than a debut against Manchester United. It would be a great debut for me and even better if the team wins."

"I am grateful the club have accepted my wishes to go to Liverpool rather than other better offers they could have had."

"All I can say is thanks to all the clubs who were interested. One of them was Lyon, but when their offer came in I had given my word to Liverpool."

"The Lyon offer came later and I had made my decision. I wanted to go to England."

Morientes, speaking at a press conference at Real's training ground this afternoon, admitted it was a tough decision to leave the Bernabeu but insisted he can't wait to get his Premiership career with Liverpool up and running.

He stated: "I want to thank this club for many things, which in eight years has given me nearly everything in my sporting career."

"I have matured a lot as a person and as a footballer and only have words of gratitude."

"I want to thank the fans for their support and I am proud to have worn this shirt."

"I leave with the cupboard full of trophies, but I will always be close to this club which will always be my home and always be in my heart."

"I leave happy, but also sad for having left behind eight years of my life."