Midfielder ready for Anfield test

By Zain Alvi | 30th June 2011

Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani has expressed excitement over his return to Liverpool after negotiations with Juventus came to a halt.

Aquilani, who thrived in a loan spell with the Turin outfit last season, was poised to extend his stay in the Serie A but Juve’s budget did not allow them to meet the price in the pre-agreed purchase clause, particularly after they unveiled four major signings in recent days.

The unexpected turn of events has prompted Aquilani to re-join the side where he struggled due to injuries upon his arrival in 2009. To ensure that his second spell at Merseyside proves to be more effective, the former Roma playmaker is staying confident about the prospects in the Premier League.

“I return to Liverpool with great enthusiasm. This is not a problem. It’s not true that I didn’t want to return to England,” Aquilani told Sky Italia as he rubbished suggestions of discomfort with English football.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish consistently monitored the player’s progress last year and towards the end of the season, he revealed that Aquilani’s return is set to boost a rejuvenated Liverpool midfield that will also finally be able to rely on skipper Steven Gerrard at full fitness.