After deciding to fight for his future at the club, Fabio Borini has revealed his confidence that he can make his mark at Liverpool.
When Brendan Rodgers was appointed as Reds manager in the summer of 2012, one of his main priorities was to add his former Swansea City loanee to his squad at Anfield. And after his club agreed to pay the £10.5million demanded of Roma for the transfer, the striker became the first signing of a new era in the red half of Merseyside.
However, the 23-year-old endured a difficult debut campaign at his new club, with a dislocated shoulder ending his season in February having already missed three months with a broken foot. This meant he made just 13 league appearances in the 2012-13 term, and when he returned to full fitness in the summer, he was loaned to Sunderland.
Borini impressed at the Stadium of Light during 2013-14, making 32 Premier League outings and hitting seven goals. Indeed, Gus Poyet was eager to keep the Italian on Wearside, and although the Reds accepted a £14million bid from the Black Cats, the 23-year-old rejected the move, deciding instead to fight for a first team place at Anfield.
“This summer there has been many rumours,” he told gianlucadunarzio.com. “My wish is to play in a top club and Liverpool are a top club so there have never been any real problems. I know my aims and how I can achieve them. Staying at Liverpool is one of them. I’m in a big side who try to win each competition. I stayed because I think I am able to play here.”
The departure of Luis Suarez, and the signs that Rodgers will play with two central strikers this season, should in theory aid Borini’s route to the first team. Daniel Sturridge is certain to occupy one role, which leaves the former Chelsea youngster battling with summer signings Rickie Lambert and compatriot Mario Balotelli for the other starting role.
Liverpool fans, do you think Borini has what it takes to make it at Anfield? Let us know what you think by joining in with the discussion below!
