Suso Sets Sights on Contract Extension and First Team Opportunities at Liverpool Next Season

Liverpool midfielder Suso is keen to prove his abilities for Brendan Rodgers' side in the upcoming campaign.

The 20-year-old spent the last season on loan at Almeria where he played 35 matches in all competitions, scoring three goals and grabbing nine assists in the process. Last month, the left-footed playmaker claimed that he could consider leaving Anfield and joining FC Porto in the ongoing transfer window and wanted assurances about first team opportunities.

But now, the Spain U-21 international, whose contract is due to expire next summer, wants to extend his stay with the Merseyside club. Suso, who is also capable of playing on either wing, wants to make his mark at Anfield next season by sealing a regular place in the Reds' starting lineup.

"After the season in Spain, I think I have become a better player - I learned a lot. It's a really good experience. Last season I was at many stadiums and I never saw a stadium like Anfield. My option is to stay here, sign a new contract and fight for my place," Suso told Liverpool's official website.

"I came here in December at Christmas when I had my week of holidays. In Spain, we have a one-week break at Christmas and I came here for two or three days to have a meeting with the manager."

"Obviously Liverpool are going to sign a lot of players because we are in the Champions League this season, and we have to have a good squad because there are a lot of competitions," he stressed.

"But if I fight for my place, I do my best every day in training and when I have the chance to come on or start a game, if I do well, I could have chances to play a lot of minutes in the first team."

"For me, there is no bigger club than Liverpool. The crowd, the people, the stadium and the Kop - that's a feeling that you cannot explain. You have to live that just to know what you feel," he added.

Suso also went on to reveal that the reason for moving out on a season long loan was to learn and get more playing time under his belt.

"When I was here in Liverpool the season before last, I played a lot of minutes here and I was really happy, because to be 18 or 19 years old and playing in the first team of Liverpool is a big thing," the youngster explained.

"But I wanted to play every week, full games, and I did that last season. That's why I went on loan - to learn. I played with other players, older players, on the pitch. What I tried to do was to learn. That was important," he concluded.