The Spaniard praised his club for their success during his absence with a persistent hamstring problem and insisted he wants to be a part of the side as they push for honours.

He said: "I came to Liverpool to win trophies and I hope this can be the year we can do that. I want 2009 to be better than 2008 in terms of Liverpool.

"We have the Cup and also the Premier League and the Champions League to try and do well in.

"We know the Premier League is very important for the fans. We are at the top of the table and we will try and stay there.

"The relationship I have with the fans is special. I know that. When I was injured, to hear them still singing their song was special. I could hear it on the TV when I was at home. That is fantastic.

"They seem to love me and I want to win the Premier League for this club.

"Always it is frustrating when you are not playing and missing games, you want to be out there helping your team-mates and working hard, but the injury is in the past now.

"I hope all my hamstring problems are over and that I can keep playing and scoring goals for Liverpool."

Meanwhile, manager Rafael Benitez has warned Liverpool must contain their anticipation over the Merseyside derby FA Cup tie which is sure to be the talk of their city all month - because there are important matches to be won in the meantime for his table-toppers.

crucial stage

Liverpool and Everton will meet twice in a week, in the Barclays Premier League on 19th January and then in the fourth round of the Cup the following weekend.

With both matches at Anfield, Benitez knows a crucial stage beckons in Liverpool's quest for both the league title and Cup.

He said: "It is a draw which will excite everyone in the city, because everyone knows about the great rivalry that exists between the two clubs.

"But we must remember that we have some big games coming up in the league before the cup tie - and we will be taking one game at a time.

"Only when the cup game comes around will it become our focus. Before then we play Stoke and Everton in the league, so we must keep our attention on those matches. However, it is good to have so many important matches, because it shows that your team is doing well."

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