The popular Spaniard seems destined for the exit, but not if he has his say
Having been a very popular figure following his arrival at Anfield from Newcastle in August 2011, Enrique’s career at the club hasn’t quite gone as he’d have hoped.
Through a succession of injuries and bad form, Enrique has found himself being pushed gradually further and further down the pecking order at Liverpool since Rodgers arrival and he is now close to the exit door.
However, the Spanish full back has no intention of leaving. Speaking to Spanish paper Marca, Enrique said: “I am in a difficult position.
“We have alienated Balotelli, Borini and to me. I have a year of contract and I imagine that the club will want to sell, but I still have the idea of ??stay and fight as I always have. If a good opportunity came with more years of contract and more options to play, I would study.
“I will not give up. Football changes from day to night. I know from experience. I am perfect after two years with knee discomfort and Liverpool is obliged to record me. In addition, there is only one pure left-back (Alberto Moreno) and I know that if I stay I’ll play. I want to prove that some are wrong.”
Confident words from Enrique who clearly believes he still has a lot to offer. Many fans have grown impatient with the 29 year old who seems to have been quite content during his spells out of the team and, in the past 18 months, he seems just as likely to be found on Instagram as he does on a football pitch.
However, the suggestion that he, along with Balotelli and Borini, are being alienated will not sit well with many fans. It’s one thing to want to move a player on but segregating the squad does not seem like the best way to go about it.
And Enrique’s claims in the Spanish press will only add to the rumours this week that Rodgers and Lucas have fallen out, with the 28 year old being left out of the match day squad, as Mamadou Sakho was last season.
That said, it’s clear that Enrique’s time at Anfield is coming to a close; we can only hope the club handles his – and others – exits with the grace and dignity it did with Raheem Sterling’s exit last month.
Enrique continued: “What I think is that I will not play in a team better than this.
“Liverpool are a match for Manchester United.
“It is true we haven’t won the league for many years, but we must not forget that we have won five European Cups.
“I had a very good option to return to Spain, but is complicated because the economy is very different from what exists here.
“The only teams that can deal with what is paid in England are Real Madrid and Barcelona, so I would love to stay here until my legs stop me.”
Is there a future for Enrique at Anfield or should he be moved on as soon as possible? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
