Former Liverpool keeper retires 12 months after suffering heart attack

33-year-old Brazilian stopper Alexander Doni has retired with heart problems.

About 12 months ago, I, along with many others found myself asking the question … ‘Where on earth isLiverpool keeper Alexander Doni?’

The Brazilian stopper had seemingly vanished from the face of the earth without a trace - and it is scary how apt that statement could have been.

He joins the long list of players such as Marc-Vivien Foe, Miklos Feher, Fabrice Muamba, Pietmario Morosini, David Sommeil, Phil O’Donnell, Antonio Puerta, Dani Jarque - a list that used to be just a couple of names - to have suffered serious heart problems in recent years.The world of football has been thrown into shock once again recently - with the untimely passing of former Birmingham City striker Chucho Benitez.

And now, unfortunately, the former Liverpool stopper has himself been forced to hang up his boots due to a heart problem.

He revealed in February that he suffered a heart attack whilst undergoing fitness tests at Liverpool. Ahead of a proposed move to Botafogo last summer he made the problems with his arrhythmia clear - and was told to rest for an indefinite period of months.

Today, the 33-year-old has announced he will be retiring from the game,hanging up his gloves in order to protect his heart:

“God doesn’t want me to play football anymore. It’s sad that I have to quit, especially because my son wanted to see me play again. I would have liked to continue for him, but I can’t do anything about it. I’ve already died once. Now I want to think about the future and also Roma, who I continue to have a good relationship with.’’

While Doni of course played for Liverpool, he is more fondly remembered at Italian outfit AS Roma - where the support has been overwhelming on social network sites and the like.

But there has also been plenty of support from the Liverpool family. When the chips are down and times are hard not many clubs come together as a family quite like those at Liverpool - and even though Doni only ever played four times for the club - the Liverpool faithful will certainly offer their full support.

Suarez told to commit, apologise to Liverpool fans

Uruguayan needs 'to fight like he's always done', Rodgers says, but insists Liverpool will keep him despite new rumours of move to Madrid

Brendan Rodgers has told Luis Suarez he must apologise to his Liverpool teammates and the club's fans who he insists deserve better from the controversial Uruguayan.

The Reds boss, speaking after his side squandered a hatful of chances in their 1-0 friendly defeat to Celtic in Dublin, also reiterated his stance that the striker, who is wanted by Arsenal, is not for sale under any circumstances.

And now he has told the player to admit the error of his ways by showing some contrition ahead of the beginning of the Premier League season, which kicks off with Liverpool's clash with Stoke on Saturday.

"Luis needs to do a couple of things," Rodgers said. "Obviously, we need initially a recognition, an apology to his teammates and the club. And then I'm sure once we get that, we'll have the commitment he's ready to fight like he's always done.

"From the day I walked in he fought tirelessly for the club. But I have to protect the fans, the supporters of this club and the players - they deserve more than that.

"He's spent some days working on his own, he's been working very hard. When he comes back from his international trip [Uruguay play a friendly in Japan mid-week] we'll assess it."

Rodgers mocked reports linking Suarez, 26, with a move to the continent, where Real Madrid were said to be interested in acquiring him, insisting only Arsenal had made a bid.

"There's lots of speculation about all these clubs," he said. "I was made aware at the end of last season that a number of clubs would come in for him, but we've had one, that's it.

"Our intention is to keep Luis. The story's the same."

Reds owner John W. Henry was in Dublin for the sell-out friendly, but Rodgers insisted there were no further talks on the future of the player who has dominated their entire pre-season preparations.

"No, there was nothing here," he said. "I spoke with him in Norway, during the week, and we're all on the same page.

"We want to keep him. Nothing more than that."

Liverpool fans were given a taste of life without Suarez in Saturday's 1-0 defeat, where Celtic's Amido Balde scored the only goal. Iago Aspas, Stewart Downing and substitute Daniel Sturridge all wasted good opportunities to score against a vastly under-strength Celtic side.

But Rodgers is not concerned with the lack of goals.

"I'm not really worried, no," he insisted. "We played a lot of games last season without Luis and we continued to score without him.

"That's not to say we don't want him, he's world-class, and when he's committed we'll welcome him back with open arms.

"But we created chances. Yes, we couldn't score, but that's something we'll improve on.

Evans surprised by Rodgers’ demand of Suarez

Football correspondent for The Times, Tony Evans, joins Sam Matterface to share his thoughts on the Luis Suarez transfer saga that has dominated the headlines this summer.

Evans says he was surprised by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers’ demand of an apology from the forward, adding that if the club truly want Suarez to stay they need to patch up the rift behind closed doors and move forward.

He also adds that he agrees with Rodgers' stance that no player is bigger than the club, and encourages Suarez to show more loyalty to Liverpool, especially given the support they and the fans have given him during his time in Merseyside.

The sports writer also discusses the latest news regarding Stewart Downing’s future at the club, revealing that the underperforming winger is very close to a move away from Anfield.

Daniel Sturridge ready for selection against Stoke

Daniel Sturridge says he is feeling ready to start the new Premier League season for Liverpool after recovering from injury.

Sturridge only began full-time training with the Reds squad last week after spending the summer in rehabilitation following an ankle injury picked up on international duty with England in May.

Sturridge played a part in Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat to Celtic in Dublin on Saturday and certainly looked sharp in front of goal, reigniting his partnership in attack with Philippe Coutinho.

Now a relieved Sturridge says he can’t wait to get back to playing every week.

“I’m delighted to be back,” he told the club’s official television channel, LFC TV. “I want to say thanks to the physio, Matt [Konopinski], and the fitness coach, Jordan [Milsom], for all the hard work they’ve done with me.

“It’s been a long road – a bumpy one at that – but I’m delighted to be back out there and I’m thankful to God for healing my injury so quickly because I wasn’t sure I’d be back for the start of the season.

“I’m fit and good to go. If I’m selected against Stoke then I’ll be ready. I didn’t think I’d be as sharp as I was, to be honest, so I’m happy! I would have loved to have scored and marked my return with a goal, but the important thing was to leave the pitch healthy with no injury or anything.”

Liverpool’s defeat to the hands of Celtic was only their first defeat of their summer pre-season schedule, having won every other match.
But, despite the result, Sturridge’s return delighted manager Brendan Rodgers.

“I thought he was excellent,” the Liverpool boss told press after the game at the Aviva Stadium.

“You saw the difference when he came on in the second half – that power and pace, and his link-up play with Coutinho was great.

“He’s working really hard to get fit and he’s looked really strong in training this week.

“He got 45 minutes today and we’ve got a behind-closed-doors game in the early part of the week. We can assess him after that but he looked really good.”

Some of the squad now go to their international squads for a round of friendly matches, before the league season gets underway next Saturday, August 17th.

Liverpool kick off the new season with a visit from Stoke City at 12.45pm. The match is live on BT Sport.

Spurs in for Reds targets

Tottenham have launched an audacious £15million double bid for Ajax stars Christian Eriksen and Toby Alderweireld.

The Spurs move threatens to hijack Liverpool's interest in the duo.

The Reds have been long-time favourites to sign two of Europe's most gifted young players whose contracts expire next summer.

Both have turned down a string of proposed transfers this summer to wait for the right Premier League club - until now believed to be Liverpool.

The White Hart Lane club have already spent £52m on new faces. They want to add Eriksen and Alderweireld before reviewing Gareth Bale's proposed £85m move to Real Madrid.

Midfielder Eriksen is only 21 but has won 36 Denmark caps. This summer he has rejected offers from Italy, Germany and Russia.

Zenit Saint Petersburg, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, AS Roma and AS Monaco offered either Champions League football or extreme wage packets to the player.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has been raising funds by selling fringe players so may hope to scupper Spurs' move.

"I am prepared to wait. I will only go where my heart wants to go,'' Eriksen said, explaining that he is keen to go to a club with stature and history in the Premier League.

"I am patiently waiting what will happen in the next few weeks. But I have said before I only want to go to a club where I feel I can play at my best and which suits my style.''

"I am ready for something new, I am ready for bigger options. But it has to be right."

Eriksen will cost £8m. Alderweireld, 24, who is also wanted by Everton, will cost £7m. The Belgium international centre-back has already rejected a move to Norwich City.

Marc Overmars, Ajax's technical director, has confirmed that his club have agreed a deal for the defender with Spartak Moscow. Again, Alderweireld is refusing to sign.

Spurs have made their move in the last few days. A delegation of scouts travelled last weekend to Amsterdam to watch the Belgium player in his club's first league game of the season. He was voted man of the match.

Alderweireld's agent, former Denmark international Soren Lerby, is convinced both players will be sensations in the Premier League.

"Christian is one of the best midfielders and one of the biggest talents in Europe," said Lerby. "I think in before the transfer window closes we will witness a couple of big transfers.''

Source: Daily Mirror

Wonderkid the next Gerrard?

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers wants Derby County midfield marvel Will Hughes - to groom him as the next Steven Gerrard, writes Alan Nixon in the Sunday People.

Rodgers is hot on the trail of the young Ram who has been starring in the Championship and attracting big interest, headed by Manchester City and Arsenal.

Derby want at least £7 million for home-grown Hughes but could be open to a sale and loan back deal with one of the big clubs.

Rodgers's spies have been homing in on Hughes and could strike a deal with Nigel Clough's side shortly, but they are also happy to leave him at Pride Park to play.

Landing Hughes - one of the most wanted young English players around - would be a huge statement.

Gerrard has ruled Liverpool's midfield for over a decade but Rodgers will have to find his long-term successor and Hughes's displays suggest he could be the man.

Pale-faced, blond-haired Hughes has dazzled with his skills, backed by football intelligence that marks him out ahead of his peers.

Derby chief Clough knows Hughes is destined for the top and a sale would help him build up his squad - but ideally keep the youngster for another season. 

Source: Daily Mirror

Top 10 centre-midfielders in Premier League history – including Chelsea and Liverpool stars

2

10) Gary Speed – Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton

It’s important to note that Speed makes this list not because of his personal tragedy; but simply because he was a fantastic midfielder. In the first ever year of the Premier League, Speed made the team of the year, – and went to make over 530 league appearances in all. His fantastic fitness, and brilliant attitude on and off the pitch meant he was a valuable member of every team he played for. His sad death in 2011 overshadows what was purely a fantastic playing career. He will be sadly missed.

9) Xabi Alonso – Liverpool

Liverpool have quite simply not been the same side since Alonso left to Real Madrid in 2009. The brilliant Spaniard is arguably the best passer of a football to ever grace the league, and what he lacked in dynamism, he made up for in pure class. Had a fondness for scoring from the halfway line, too.

8) Yaya Toure – Manchester City

The giant Ivorian rightly wins a spot here despite only being at City for three years. His immense physical presence means he is virtually impossible to get the ball off. As good going forward as he is going backwards, Toure was arguably City’s best player when they won the league title in 2011/12. A beast of a midfielder; Toure is one of the few footballers who earns his astronomical wages.

7) Cesc Fabregas – Arsenal

When the little Spaniard started making the odd first-team appearance for Arsenal aged just 16; there were whisperings that Arsene Wenger had unearthed another world-beater. And he had. Fabregas was the fulcrum of everything good that Arsenal did between 2004 and 2011, and it’s a travesty that he only ever won an FA Cup in England. Rightly earned a mega-money move to boyhood club Barcelona, where he continues to shine.

6) Claude Makelele – Chelsea

You know you’re a good player when you get a position named after you. Every major club in Europe now employs someone in ‘the Makelele role’, anchoring the midfield, and picking the ball up from defence. His marvellous work helped Jose Mourinho win back-to-back titles for Chelsea, and his value to the side was never questioned by Blues fans. A brilliant holding midfielder.

5) Roy Keane – Manchester United

A ferocious central midfielder, and the man Sir Alex Ferguson trusted to lead the likes of Jaap Stam, David Beckham, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Ruud Van Nistelrooy. One of the most aggressive tacklers the country has ever seen, Keane loved a midfield battle like few other. When he could control his temper and channel it positively, he was truly formidable opponent. Seven league titles, four FA Cups and Champions League. Not too shabby.

4) Patrick Vieira – Arsenal

The heartbeat of Arsenal’s invincibles team; Vieira was as strong as he was mercurial. Made a habit of winning the ball brilliantly in midfield, and playing through the wonderful Thierry Henry with an intricate through-ball. The most imposing figure in Premier League history when at his most destructive, Vieira has to be regarded as one of the greatest ever foreign imports into English football.

3) Frank Lampard – Chelsea

Never before has a centre-midfielder scored goals with such relentless regularity. There has never been a better midfielder at arriving on the edge of the box and finding the bottom corner – which has helped Lampard bag a ludicrous 243 career goals already. Has won league titles, FA Cups and a Champions League, and perhaps the only travesty is that he never formed a successful partnership with the man above him in this list…

2) Steven Gerrard – Liverpool

The England and Liverpool captain fantastic; there isn’t much that can be said about Steven Gerrard that hasn’t already been said. Liverpool’s greatest ever player, Gerrard has carried his side for the past ten years. The 33-year-old is the ultimate midfielder: strong, quick, powerful, good in the air, good tackler, great passer and an eye for a goal. Also capable of a piece of last minute magic. If he played for a side that won the league he could be well top this list.

1) Paul Scholes – Manchester United

To think the quiet Manchester boy tops this list of egos, talents and world-class footballers, is testament to his unrivalled ability. Ask any ex-pro who played with Scholes, ‘Who was the best you ever played with?’, and there’s only ever one answer. A telescopic right-foot, an eye for goal and a near perfect touch has meant Scholes has been United’s midfield metronome for 20 consecutive Premier League seasons. It will be a long time before this country makes a midfielder quite as talented as Paul Scholes.

Reds in for Matri

Alessandro Matri's move to Napoli could be hijacked by Liverpool now that Juventus have set his €12m price-tag.

Over the last couple of days it has been widely reported in the Italian media that Juve accepted a €12m offer from Napoli.

Matri has taken some time to consider the transfer, but the Daily Mail suggests Liverpool are ready to intercept the negotiations at the last minute.

The Reds would be prepared to match that fee, which is roughly £10.5m.

It all comes down to Matri's decision, as he wants more playing time than he received at Juventus.

Napoli can promise the Champions League, but he would be an understudy to Gonzalo Higuain.

The former Cagliari hitman turns 29 next week and scored 10 goals in 35 games for Juve last season.

Source: Football Italia

Luis Suarez ‘will refuse to apologise to Liverpool’

Standing his ground: Suarez (Picture: PA)

Luis Suarez will not apologise to Brendan Rodgers or his Liverpool team-mates, according to reports.

The Reds striker, who has been the subject of two failed bids from Arsenal, has been forced to train alone after demanding to leave Anfield in an explosive interview.

Suarez also accused the manager of breaking promises he made to him last summer, which he claimed would entitle him to leave if a Champions League club offered over £40million.

Rodgers has denied giving such assurances, and both he and Liverpool owner, John W. Henry, have since blasted Suarez’s ‘disrespectful’ behaviour, insisting he will not be sold and informing him he will need to apologise before being reintegrated to the first-team.

Rodgers said on Saturday: ‘Initially there will be a recognition that (there needs to be) an apology to his team-mates and the club.

‘I have seen him over a period of time. I know it is not the Luis Suarez we know and I have to protect the fans and the players because they deserve more than that.’

However, the Uruguayan is ready to stand his ground in this stand-off with the Reds, and Sky Sports claim Suarez will refuse to back down as he feels he has acted appropriately and gone down the proper channels whilst trying to engineer a move.

Liverpool’s Rodgers talks up Coutinho-Sturridge partnership

Liverpool's Brendan Rodgers says Philippe Coutinho is a "joy to watch", talking up the Brazilian's partnership with Daniel Sturridge

Brendan Rodgers says he is encouraged by the “really promising” partnership developing between Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge.

The pair, who both arrived in the January transfer window, showed glimpses of their collective potential in the second half of the 1-0 defeat by Celtic at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday.

The England striker and South American had an immediate impact at the Reds following their respective £12m and £8.5m moves earlier this year, particularly impressing in a 7-0 rout at Newcastle United in April.

And while Luis Suárez continues to crave a move away from the Merseyside outfit this summer, Rodgers revealed he is encouraged by wonderful talents such as Coutinho, Sturridge and captain Steven Gerrard at the club.

“Philippe Coutinho is playing fantastic,” Rodgers told a news conference following his
side’s 1-0 loss at The Aviva.

“He’s a wonderful football player. He’s a real joy to watch. He’s very effective. He creates great opportunities.

“He’s disappointed that he didn’t score today. He had opportunities to get his shot off but he didn’t quite manage it.”

Rodgers continued: “We’ve got some top players here, the likes of Steven Gerrard, Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge, who are all on that same wavelength.

“Their interplay and how they combine is really promising. We’re really looking forward to starting now. They’re in real good shape and we’re itching to get going.”

Sturridge, 23, was making his return from a heel injury which the formerChelsea striker picked up in a 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland at Wembley in May.

And Rodgers believes his January signing immediately brought an added dimension to Liverpool following his half-time introduction for Iago Aspas.

“I thought he was excellent. You saw the difference when he came on with his pace and power. His link-up player with Coutinho was great. He’s working really hard to get fit.” 

Rodgers wants Suarez apology

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers spoke to the media after his side’s 1-0 defeat to Celtic earlier today to stress that Liverpool won’t be selling Luis Suarez [do they think we haven’t heard them the first 500 times?] and to stress that Suarez needs to issue an apology to his teammates – something that wasn’t required of him when he went all racist if I remember correctly.

Suarez, who has been forced to train on his own and has been left out of the last two Liverpool friendlies with a ‘foot injury’ [also known as transferitis] will be welcomed back in to the camp when he’s committed to the Liverpool cause says Rodgers who sounds more and more like he’s leading a cult than a football club with every passing statement.

Rodgers said

“I spoke with John W Henry when we were in Norway during the week, and we’re all on the same page really,” Rodgers said after watching his side lose 1-0 to Celtic in Dublin in their final pre-season friendly.

“We’re adamant that he [Suárez] won’t be going to Arsenal, that’s for sure. We want to keep him.

“Initially there’ll be a recognition that an apology to his team-mates [is needed],” he continued.

“Luis Suárez, from the day I’ve walked in here, has fought tirelessly for the club. So when I’ve seen him and how he’s been over a period of time, I know it’s not the Luis Suárez that I know.

“I have to protect the great supporters of this club and the players because they deserve more than that.

“He’s spent some days working on his own. The group has been separate to that and working very hard. I think when he comes back from his international trip, we’ll assess it from there.

“He’s a world-class striker, and when he’s committed to the cause of playing for Liverpool, we’ll welcome him back with open arms.

“There’s been lots of speculation about all these clubs. I was made aware at the end of last season that we were going to have a number of clubs come in for him. We’ve had one [from Arsenal], and that’s been it. Our intention is to keep Luis Suárez, so the story’s the same really.”

How this transfer is going to play out I’m not sure but one thing is for sure, Liverpool won’t be shutting up about it any time soon.

Reds approach Contento

Liverpool have approached Bayern Munich over a deal for Diego Contento as their search for a new left back continues.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is desperate to add another option to his squad ahead of the new season, with Jose Enrique the club's only recognised left-sided defender.

And according to reports in Germany the man being lined up is 23-year-old Bayern ace Contento, who has been told he can leave by manager Pep Guardiola.

Contento made just five appearances last season but is highly rated, and has been strongly linked with Werder Bremen and Hertha Berlin in the last few days.

However, it's thought Liverpool are ready to put down a £1million loan fee and bring him to the Premier League with a view to a permanent deal.

Talks between the two teams are believed to be at an early stage, but Contento would prefer a switch to England over the other options on the table.

Source: Metro

Former Red not ruling out return

Javier Mascherano has revealed to El Pais that he cannot say with any certainty whether he will be staying at Barcelona

The versatile Argentina international is reported to be considering his future at Camp Nou following the arrival of Gerardo Martino as coach.

A return to former club Liverpool has been mooted, with Mascherano having enjoyed three-and-a-half productive years at Anfield before heading for Spain in August 2010.

The 29-year-old is ruling nothing out with the summer transfer window still open and admits he would have no qualms about moving on if informed that he is surplus to requirements.

Mascherano told El Pais: "You never know. In football, you have to be prepared for anything.

"There were calls from somewhere else, but no offers.

"There are always doubts. You are at Barcelona and you have to fight for your place.

"The question is whether you now fight in the same circumstances, as I have always had to win my starting place throughout my career. It's as it should be.

"If Barca tell me they don't need me, I will be off within a minute."

Source: Sky Sports

Rodgers on Costa and Cissokho

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has ruled out a move for Aly Cissokho of Valencia and says a Diego Costa deal now seems unlikely.

Rumours had suggested that Liverpool had agreed to pay Valencia £870,000 for a year-long loan with the option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season for a further £3.5million.

'There's nothing on the Cissokho story,' Rodgers said.

He added: 'I believe Costa has signed an extension. There's nothing in terms of players to add.

'We've signed players early on and we hope to sign some more before the end of the window. In the meantime, there's nothing at the minute.'

Atletico Madrid striker Costa, who scored 20 goals in 44 matches for the Spanish club last season said earlier in the week: 'I'm well here, I'm happy here.

'As I've been in Argentina and Uruguay I've not heard anything about this. I'm happy here, if the club want me to be here, I'm going to be here.

'I think that our coach (Diego Simeone) counts on all of us, not just me. He knows how important it is to maintain the squad, the fans know it as well.'

Source: Daily Mail

West Ham set to land £6m Liverpool midfielder Downing

West Ham could be on the verge of landing England international Stewart Downing, reports The Telegraph.

A move for the former Middlesbrough winger had looked on the cards several weeks ago before the player dismissed the transfer, but the Hammers are now keen to get the deal done with Downing thought to be more receptive to the move.

The Londoners have lodged a bid of £5m for the 29-year-old, but Liverpool are keen to see this rise to closer to £6m before they will agree to sell. However, talks are thought to be at an advanced stage, and despite the player previously rejecting Sam Allardyce’s attempts to lure him to Upton Park, there is now thought to be potential for the move to be made.

Downing began his career at his hometown club Middlesbrough, making 181 appearances and scoring 17 goals during his eight year stay at the club. He briefly joined north east rivals Sunderland on loan in 2003, and made seven appearances for the Black Cats, scoring three goals. He then moved to Aston Villa for around £10m in 2009, before moving to Anfield for around £20m in 2011, where he has made 65 appearances, netting three goals.

Newcastle are thought to be keen to give Downing a route back to the north east, but only want the player on loan and are believed to be unwilling to match Liverpool’s valuation for the player, meaning a move to the capital appears much more likely at this stage.

Winger close to move and 'no apology' from Suarez

A select round-up of transfer news relating to Liverpool including Luis Suarez and Stewart Downing.

The Guardian reports that Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has decided not to hand in a transfer request…yet.

They claim quotes from the player in the same paper are seen as enough at this time, and he has decided not to hand in the request that was reported as being imminent.

The same story claims the Uruguayan has no intention of apologising to the club for his recent behaviour, and that he maintains the belief that the club reneged on a promise to allow him to leave should a certain type of offer be received.

The latest report comes after Liverpool owner John W. Henry said the striker would not be sold to Arsenal for any price, calling the possibility “ludicrous”.

One thing is for sure, Suarez has got himself into a mess he may not have anticipated. And with the Reds holding firm (and all the cards), the player may have some serious back-tracking to do in the coming weeks.

One player who does appear to be on his way out of Anfield is Stewart Downing, with the Telegraph reporting that talks are ongoing between the Reds and West Ham over a deal in the region of £6million.

With negotiations said to be at an “advanced stage” it appears Andy Carroll could soon be joined by a familiar face at Upton Park.

Rodgers: His life is Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers has explained how Daniel Agger's passion and commitment to the Liverpool cause, coupled with the Dane's first-rate defensive ability, earned him the Reds' vice-captaincy.

Agger will step into the role vacated by Jamie Carragher when the 2013-14 campaign gets underway in August.

Rodgers revealed how the defender could not hide his delight when he was given the news on Friday - and insisted the 28-year-old can continue to be a fine role model at the club.

"He's a top-class player and he prepares really well throughout the week. Football is his life and Liverpool is his life," Rodgers told LFC TV.

"From my first conversation with him, he made it very clear that he wants to be here. I've also known during my time here that other clubs have wanted to take him, but he's been very true to his word.

"His loyalty and his passion for Liverpool is second to none. And if you add that on to his footballing qualities, then I think it's a good choice for everybody."

Rodgers continued: "He was very proud when he found out the news. I had spoken to him at the beginning of pre-season to tell him that he was one of the ones I was going to be looking at closely, and throughout pre-season he has been a real role model within the group.

"He has trained magnificently and he was delighted when I pulled him over and said that he'd be the one that I would be looking at to step in to Carra's shoes. He was very pleased and very proud as you can imagine.

"He's an international captain and he's been here for a long time - the supporters and the players really recognise that with him.

"I'm sure we'll see an extra percentage rise in his game and in his performance, because he's a very proud man. I've loved working with him and now this gives him an extra responsibility.

"I must say there were another number of players who have proved to be great leaders in their own right over this pre-season. Lucas Leiva, Jordan Henderson, Kolo Toure and some of the other experienced players.

"I'm sure Daniel is a really good choice and that everyone will appreciate that he's now the vice-captain."