Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge today spoke of the immense gratitude he has for the clubs owners Fenway Sports Group upon touching down in Boston to continue his fight for fitness the other side of the pond.
Speaking to the Echo, the Liverpool front-man revealed how a change in scenery and approach has helped him in his renewed desire to get fit for the season ahead.
“I like America, the way of thinking is different,” Sturridge said.
“When you’re injured it’s important to have a different mentality. You have to channel yourself that you’re not a football player, that you could be a boxer or a tennis player or whatever it may be.”
Speaking about the direction he has chosen and how determined he is to get back to his best for Liverpool, Sturridge said: “You have to have a single-minded mentality to get back in the best shape possible. When you’re injured it’s important to have that type of mentality. That’s why, being out here, I’m single-minded, zoning in on what I have to do and it’s great to be here.”
Since signing a new mega-deal worth £140,000 a week last October, the formidable striker has only started nine games, a record that contributed to a wholly average season for the club, finishing sixth and earning no silverware.
After fresh injury concerns late last season, Sturridge and the club took the decision to fly the player across to Boston and to be assessed by the Boston Red Sox rehabilitation team before having world renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr Bryan T Kelly operate on him in New York.
This operation was a success, but the former Chelsea striker was told he would need to wait until September before he could join up with the first team again, a move that frustrated the player and fans alike.
Waxing lyrical about the club’s owners, Sturridge said: “The owners have done everything for me. I’ve nothing but gratitude towards them. They’ve moved heaven and earth for me to be comfortable. So I cannot thank them enough for what they’ve done for me. I’m very grateful.”
A move that no doubt has the strikers long-term future at the heart, it is still great to see John Henry take an active interest in a player that has the ability to become the most deadly forward in the Premier League, if not the world.
“It’s humbling,” said Sturridge. “They have gone out of their way to make me feel comfortable and to get me whatever I need. I can never thank them enough. Hopefully I’ll be able to repay with them goals.”
And it is goals that Liverpool will need next year. The club are currently on the look-out for another striker as unfortunately they cannot count on Daniel Sturridge to lead the line going into next season.
If Liverpool can get Sturridge back to full fitness, he will be chomping at the bit to get back to his partnership with Phil Coutinho and giving a bit back to the owners himself.
With a fully fit Sturridge, Liverpool’s chances of gaining a top four place increase exponentially.
Until then, we will have to hope and pray that the special treatment in America can spur Liverpool on to an unforgettable season.
