[lfc-news] Morientes: "I can't wait to face United" - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 14 Jan 2005
'I can't wait to face United'
Exclusive by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

FERNANDO MORIENTES completed his first training session as a Liverpool
player today and proclaimed: "I can't wait to face Manchester United."

The £6.3m signing from Real Madrid, who has been handed the number 19
shirt, is available after receiving his international clearance last night.

After completing his three-and-a-half year Anfield deal, he declared: "I
can't wait to get started."

Speaking through an interpreter at Melwood he said: "When the offer came
in I talked it over with my family and I had always been attracted to
English football - especially to a club like Liverpool which has had so
many great players and where there is a great history.

"Rafa Benitez knows me well. When I spoke to him he impressed me with
his explanation about how the club works.

"And of course I know there are a lot of Spanish players here so it's
all come together for me.

"Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs there are."

Morientes, who says he likes to be know as 'Nando', said he was
particularly looking forward to forming a lethal strike partnership with
Milan Baros.

He added: "I can't wait to see how well we gel together. Milan is a
great player who I think will be very adaptable to my qualities.

"I'm sure we will work very well as a partnership and I am very excited
about joining him in the attack.

"He was great in Euro 2004 and I am very confident we will work well
together.

"Ever since I started playing I have been the target man and I am used
to putting opponents under pressure, making runs which help my
team-mates and playing with my back to goal.

"I have seen a lot of Liverpool games because of the English Premiership
getting a lot of coverage in Spain. And I know Liverpool have had a lot
of bad luck with injuries, which is why they have brought in players in
the transfer window."

Morientes also added he had spoken to Michael Owen about life at Anfield
before making the move.

He added: "The problem is Michael Owen doesn't speak Spanish and I don't
speak English.

"But he gave me good advice about what Liverpool is like and the kind of
facilities at the club.

"He told me I would have no problems settling into English football."

Meanwhile, contrary to reports, Liverpool have not given Real Madrid
first option on signing Steven Gerrard as part of the Morientes deal.

Madrid persistently asked for a written clause clearing the way for a
summer transfer but chief executive Rick Parry steadfastly refused.

The only assurance Madrid were given was to be kept informed if Gerrard
ever decides he wants to leave Anfield.

Since the Reds have no wish to sell their skipper and Gerrard has not
revealed any intention of joining Real, the so-called 'verbal agreement'
is not worth the paper it isn't printed on.

* Rafa Benitez may be forced into a defensive reshuffle due to a
hamstring injury to Steve Finnan.

Finnan was undergoing a late fitness test today.


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