Panathinaikos striker Djibril Cisse says he never wanted to leave Liverpool.

Cisse had an unhappy exit from Liverpool in 2006, when he claimed that Benitez was trying to force him out.

He told the Mirror: "I don't want to judge the manager. But I didn't want to leave the club. It is the same for other players as well. I had a good goalscoring record for the club and I'm still very proud of that.

"I had a fantastic relationship with the fans. I've been back twice, with Sunderland and Marseille, and had a fantastic reception both times.

"That shows how strong my relationship is with the supporters. That comes, I suppose, from the Champions League success in 2005. That was a very special time and I would love to see that happen again for the club."