Fabio Borini has insisted that his unsuccessful spell on Merseyside was not down to him.
The Italian completed his £10million return to Sunderland last month.
The striker could have joined the Black Cats or Queens Park Rangers in 2014 but instead opted to stay and fight for a first-team place at Anfield, before going on to make 12 league appearances for the Reds last season.
As quoted by the Mirror, Borini said: “It was very difficult (at Liverpool).
It didn’t work out. Not because of me, but because of someone else.
“Everyone knows within the club and outside that I have been working hard.
“I gave everything for the club. That is why I stayed at Liverpool, because I thought I could help the team.
“Every time I have been asked to play I did that, and that’s the thing.”
The 24 year-old was not included in Brendan Rodgers’ pre-season tour squad this summer and with the arrivals of Christian Benteke and Danny Ings, Borini’s career at Anfield looked all but over.
Borini spent the 2013-14 season on loan at the Stadium of Light and hit the net 10 times for them in all competitions, including winners against Manchester United and Chelsea, plus a goal in the Tyne-Wear derby.
His last Liverpool goal came against Aston Villa back in January of this year when the Reds won 2-0 at Villa Park, but the former Roma hitman insists he is happy to be back on Wearside:
“It feels good to be back. I can feel the love and support from the fans, and it is important to feel these emotions as soons as you arrive at a club. It makes it easier,” he said.
