MAXI RODRIGUEZ believes he was made to play in the rough and tumble world of the Premier League.
While many foreign imports struggle at first with the English top-flight’s aggressive nature, Liverpool new boy Maxi is revelling in it.
Not surprising really as his nickname is La Fiera the Fierce One.
The Argentina winger has made six appearances for Liverpool since completing his January transfer from Atletico Madrid.
And he has only tasted defeat once the 1-0 loss at Arsenal last week.
He said: „It’s going fantastic so far and I couldn’t have hoped for better.
„It’s so different to daily life in Madrid but I think I am settling in and it’s even better here than I expected it to be.
„It’s totally different here to the football in La Liga. Certainly you are aware of the fact it is a lot more physical, tougher and aggressive they are the big differences.
„But wherever you play football in the world, you still play with a round ball, so you get used to it.
„What’s more, I really like the competitive, physical aspect of the game. I think it suits my style and I’m enjoying it.”
Having figured for Atletico earlier this season, Maxi is ineligible to play a part in the Reds’ European campaign and will be forced to watch tomorrow’s Europa League clash with Unirea Urziceni from the sidelines.
He admitted: „When I found out it wouldn’t be possible for me to play in Europe, it left a sick feeling in my stomach.
„You always want to play and take part and you feel as though you are almost letting your teammates down by not being able to play. But you’ve just got to take it in your stride and move on.”
The Reds’ new No17 was welcomed to Merseyside by former Atletico teammate Fernando Torres.
The pair struck up a close friendship during their time together at the Vicente Calderon and Maxi is eager to be reunited once again on the pitch.
Liverpool have a vital clash in the battle to finish in the top four away at Manchester City on Sunday and Torres has an outside chance of returning after knee surgery.
Maxi, 29, added: „Fernando and I had some good times playing together at Atletico.
„As well as being a great player, he is a good guy.
„Obviously we have a really strong squad here at Anfield but you will always miss someone like him.
„So to get him back will be a real bonus. I am looking forward to playing with him again greatly.”
You’ve Rooined my big night
MAXI RODRIGUEZ believes he was made to play in the rough and tumble world of the Premier League.
While many foreign imports struggle at first with the English top-flight’s aggressive nature, Liverpool new boy Maxi is revelling in it.
Not surprising really as his nickname is La Fiera the Fierce One.
The Argentina winger has made six appearances for Liverpool since completing his January transfer from Atletico Madrid.
And he has only tasted defeat once the 1-0 loss at Arsenal last week.
He said: „It’s going fantastic so far and I couldn’t have hoped for better.
„It’s so different to daily life in Madrid but I think I am settling in and it’s even better here than I expected it to be.
„It’s totally different here to the football in La Liga. Certainly you are aware of the fact it is a lot more physical, tougher and aggressive they are the big differences.
„But wherever you play football in the world, you still play with a round ball, so you get used to it.
„What’s more, I really like the competitive, physical aspect of the game. I think it suits my style and I’m enjoying it.”
Having figured for Atletico earlier this season, Maxi is ineligible to play a part in the Reds’ European campaign and will be forced to watch tomorrow’s Europa League clash with Unirea Urziceni from the sidelines.
He admitted: „When I found out it wouldn’t be possible for me to play in Europe, it left a sick feeling in my stomach.
„You always want to play and take part and you feel as though you are almost letting your teammates down by not being able to play. But you’ve just got to take it in your stride and move on.”
The Reds’ new No17 was welcomed to Merseyside by former Atletico teammate Fernando Torres.
The pair struck up a close friendship during their time together at the Vicente Calderon and Maxi is eager to be reunited once again on the pitch.
Liverpool have a vital clash in the battle to finish in the top four away at Manchester City on Sunday and Torres has an outside chance of returning after knee surgery.
Maxi, 29, added: „Fernando and I had some good times playing together at Atletico.
„As well as being a great player, he is a good guy.
„Obviously we have a really strong squad here at Anfield but you will always miss someone like him.
„So to get him back will be a real bonus. I am looking forward to playing with him again greatly.”
