Liverpool fullback Jose Enrique is looking forward to facing former club Newcastle United tonight.

He is confident he will not be a target for abuse. Pointing to the fact he never abandoned ship following Newcastle's relegation in 2009, the affable Spaniard says his reasons for leaving St James' Park were obvious.

"This will be a special game and I hope they understand why I moved," said Enrique, who made 129 appearances in a black-and-white shirt after arriving from Villarreal in 2007. "I gave everything for Newcastle, always I gave 100 per cent and nobody can say any different.

"I played in the Championship after they got relegated. I wanted to stay and help because I was part of the reason we dropped out the division into the Championship. But one opportunity to play for a team like Liverpool came along and I couldn't refuse it.

"This is one of the best teams in Europe. You cannot say 'no' when Liverpool come for you. I had very good moments at Newcastle and always gave my best. They have amazing fans, it is an amazing city. I still love Newcastle and will do all my life. But I play for Liverpool now."