Glen Johnson still believes he has a future at Liverpool, despite admitting no talks over a new contract have yet been held.
The England international has been at Anfield since the summer of 2009, and has gone on to play 143 times for the club in the Premier League. Although a right fullback by trade, he has shown his value to the squad by switching flanks in recent times, although the signing of Alberto Moreno may see him move back to familiar territory this term.
Johnson is out of contract at the end of the season, though, and he has revealed that no talks over a possible extension have yet to take place. The 30-year-old, who has also played for Portsmouth, Chelsea, West Ham United and Millwall, insists he is relaxed over his situation, and claims the fact that Brendan Rodgers continues to include him in the Reds quest for success proves that he will have a future at the club.
“I’m very relaxed about my contract,” Johnson, who will not add to his 54 England caps next month due to a thigh injury, told the Liverpool Echo. “There are no talks going on with the club at the moment. There were minor talks towards the end of last season but nothing else. I’ve loved playing my football here from day one. I’m more than happy here.
“But obviously I can only talk to the club about it when they want to speak to me. In January, I could (talk to other clubs), but I’ll worry about that when January comes. At the minute I’m playing for Liverpool and I’m more than willing to stay. I’ll just concentrate on things here week by week. The manager has picked me so far. That shows he wants me here.”
Meanwhile, inspirational captain Steven Gerrard believes the Reds have become stronger since the end of last season, despite losing star player Luis Suarez. A 3-1 defeat at champions Manchester City on Monday has raised question marks over the strength of Rodgers’ side to mount another title bid, but their midfield star is in confident mood.
“There is no doubt it we are going to miss a player like Luis Suarez,” said Gerrard. “He is a world-class player. But what the manager is done is he has strengthened in other areas and we have also recently signed Mario Balotelli. Hopefully the new signings along with everyone who has been here for a long time can help soften the blow of losing Luis and we can show everyone that there is life after him and we can be successful without him.”
Liverpool fans, is Johnson worth a new contract? And what do you make of Gerrard’s claim that even without Suarez, you’re stronger this season? Have your say by joining in the discussion below!
