Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insists he didn't want to sell Stewart Downing.
Downing and Andy Carroll return to Liverpool this weekend with West Ham United.
Rodgers said: "Stewart is one that I didn't want to let go. He had a difficult start but on the second half of the season he was a regular. He's got a wonderful technique and is a good guy. It hasn't surprised me how well he has done.
"I just felt that Andy (Carroll) might not have been a regular here. That doesn't mean he is a bad player. He is an outstanding player."
