Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge plays down exit reports

Daniel Sturridge celebrates his opener during the Premier League game between Liverpool and Newcastle United on April 23, 2016
© AFP
Daniel Sturridge plays down suggestions that he could leave Liverpool at the end of the season, claiming that he is "happy" at Anfield.

Daniel Sturridge has played down suggestions that he could leave Liverpool at the end of the season.

The England international has been in and out of Jurgen Klopp's first XI since returning from injury and recent reports had claimed that the former Chelsea striker was becoming increasingly frustrated with life at Anfield.

The 26-year-old, however, has insisted that he is "happy" at Liverpool and has vowed to work hard in a bid to secure a permanent place in the team.

"Yeah, of course I am happy here. I'm happy. I'm happy. I have never expressed not being happy here. I think it is everyone playing Devil's Advocate," Sturridge told reporters.

"They see that I have been left out sometimes and they think 'maybe that means he is unhappy' but, at the end of the day, the manager has got a job to do. He has got to pick the team that he feels is best on the day. And I have got a job to do, which is to perform when I am playing.

"I have had the injuries and I have been in and out of the side in recent times but it has never been a case that I am not happy at the club."

Sturridge was on the scoresheet as Liverpool booked their spot in the Europa League final with a 3-0 win over Villarreal on Thursday night.

Jordan Henderson arrives on crutches in the stands during the Premier League game between Liverpool and Stoke City on April 10, 2016
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