With Liverpool's Premiership opener at Middlesbrough just two days away the in-form Djibril Cisse admits to feeling like a new signing with everything to prove.
Twelve months after making his Reds debut the 14 million pound buy from Auxerre is chomping at the bit to prove himself worthy of his record breaking price tag.
A career threatening broken leg sustained at Ewood Park last October cruelly interrupted his first season at the club and denied him the chance to show what he's really capable of.
For this reason the French striker can't wait to get the new league campaign underway.
On Wednesday night he took his summer goals tally to an impressive six from eight games but as the big weekend clash at the Riverside looms the Reds' number nine is well aware that now is the time for him to deliver.
Ahead of the trip to Teeside Cisse has declared himself fully fit and raring to go.
He is determined to repay the club and the fans for standing by him during the dark days of last season and sure this will spur him on in the coming months.
"Although I am fully settled on and off the pitch now it does feel a bit like I am a new player here and that I have to prove myself once again," he told Liverpoolfc.tv in an exclusive interview at Melwood.
"I really can't wait to get going in the Premiership now. These are the games in which I will be judged. This club has invested a lot of money in me and the fans have shown a lot of faith in me. It's up to me now to show that I am worth that transfer fee and that I am a good player."
"This club has invested a lot of money in me and the fans have shown a lot of faith in me. It"s up to me now to show that I am worth that transfer fee and that I am a good player."
Despite being sidelined for much of last season Cisse has built up a cult following of fans on the Kop and he adds: "I really appreciate their support. It means a lot to me when they shout my name. I think it's important for the players to have a good relationship with the supporters and it's important for us to give them something back."
Cisse's impressive summer form suggests that he's gradually rediscovering the form that persuaded Liverpool to make him their record signing and he's happy with how pre-season has gone.
"I am really happy, I always am when I score goals," he says with a beaming smile that suggests as much. "It's been good to get off to a good start in pre-season, especially after the difficulties I had last season. The injury is in the past now, it is finished. I could be a little faster I think but apart from that I'm feeling back to my best.
"I've set myself a target of 20 goals in the Premiership this season and if I have a full season without injuries then yes I am confident I can achieve it."
Cisse is equally confident that the Reds can build on their remarkable Champions League triumph and he fully expects them to come flying out of the Premiership starting blocks.
"I think the early start will prove beneficial to us. When we kick-off in the Premiership against Middlesbrough on Saturday then one thing we no-one will be able to accuse us of is not being fit!
"It's been good for us to play extra games this summer and I think they will give us an extra boost. Maybe there will come a time when we will feel tired because of starting our pre-season so early but the mood in the camp is one of real confidence going into the new season."
Of the summer acquisitions made by Rafael Benitez, Cisse admits to being extremely excited by the arrival of close friend Momo Sissoko and describes his signing as a terrific piece of business by the club.
"I know Momo very well from my time at Auxerre," he says. "Where we were in the Academy together. He's a very good player. He's young, very combative and not scared to tackle and run. I think his style will suit the English game.
"People have spoken about him being the next Patrik Vieira and he is that type of player. His signing represents good business for Liverpool and I'm looking forward to playing alongside him in the Premiership and Champions League this season."
Another new face Cisse has been impressed with is strike partner Peter Crouch and he continues: "I enjoy having a target man to play alongside. It's good because Peter knows how to hold the ball up. He likes the ball played into his feet and I like to make runs into space, so I think we complement each other.
"It makes for a good partnership and it seemed to be going well until he got injured against Kaunas. He's also a good lad off the pitch and hopefully we can click again once he's back fit."
by 115-1073096938 » Sun Jan 18, 2004 2:26 am
