Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has admitted to being surprised by the criticism he received during his lengthy spell on the sidelines this season.

Sturridge has been accused of 'not wanting to play' during an injury-plagued campaign with the Reds, but has dismissed those suggestions as disrespectful.

"To say a player doesn't want to play is the biggest disrespect ever to any footballer and it's astonishing. It's very disappointing whoever was saying it. It's football and of course people are entitled to opinions," Sturridge said ahead of Thursday night's Europa League return bout with Augsburg.

"But all I can say is don't think anyone will understand how much it means to me to play football. As I say I will continue to do my best and focus on playing for Liverpool FC. That's all that matters. I'm very ambitious, very determined to help Liverpool have some success.

"I am totally focused and of course I want to be on the pitch playing in every game and it hurts not being able to play I would be lying if didn't say it. I have to be strong in those situations, I'm not at home chilling, I'm not out with my friends living life to the full.

"I'm not happy, I'm sitting in the stands devastated at watching them play. It hurts hearing second- and third-hand what people say. I'd say a lot of them aren't telling the truth. All I want to do is help this team have success – that's the most important thing, nothing else matters."