Sturridge to make European debut for Reds tonight…
Daniel Sturridge is eager to make his mark on Europe for Liverpool as he looks set to make his debut on the continent for the club.
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The former Chelsea man won a Champions League medal with the Blues but was unable to fulfil his wish of playing a key part in a European final – he was only an unused substitute in the 2010 Champions League showpiece.
But the 25-year-old England striker will get an opportunity tonight to kick start Liverpool’s campaign to reach the Europa League final when his side take on Besiktas in their last-32 tie at Anfield.
This will be Sturridge’s European debut for the Reds, after missing all their group games through injury.
“We have to get there first, but it is a dream and it is a big target for me,” Sturridge, talking about the final already, told the Daily Express.
“I played a big part in those cup runs with Chelsea, I was top scorer for Chelsea in the FA Cup when we won it, I played a big part in the Champions’ League prior to the final, and in the FA Cup.
“Finals to me are a long way away at this moment. You could say it’s a dream, but the important thing is to believe in ourselves now, and what we are trying to achieve.
“I can’t wait to finally get out there and actually have my debut with Liverpool in Europe.
“I’ve waited such a long time to play this game, it has been very difficult for myself to sit out and watch all those games we have played in the Champions League without being part of it, very, very hard.
“But it doesn’t make us any less determined because it’s the Europa League. It is not a joke to us, believe me, it doesn’t mean we are any less serious. We want to win it, we want success.
“I’ve sat in the stands and seen Anfield on a European night, and I am looking forward to tasting that atmosphere – I am looking forward to the game so much and it is going to be exciting for me. I can’t wait.”
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