Benayoun: Liverpool love

Benitez loves me. He bought me. I really enjoy being with him, moreover, I had an excellent season.

Yossi Benayoun
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Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun insists he will not be leaving Anfield because manager Rafa Benitez 'loves' him.

Benayoun struggled for regular first-team football last season as Dirk Kuyt made the right midfield position his own.

That has seen summer speculation link Benayoun, a £5million signing from West Ham last July, with a move to the likes of Tottenham, Portsmouth and Manchester City.

However, the Israel international insists he has no plans to leave Merseyside after holding positive discussions with Benitez before the end of last season.

No way

"It seems the media in Israel and England are in a contest to see who's more bored during the slow summer months," Benayoun told Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz.

"The media in England published a story that Rafa Benitez told me finally that I'm staying at Liverpool.

"These reports are the work of the writer's imagination because, even before the season ended, we determined that I would be staying.

"Benitez told me unequivocally that he brought me here, that I had a very good season, that he's depending on me and that there's no way I'll leave Liverpool.

Benitez chemistry

"I have very good chemistry with Benitez. He loves me. He bought me. I really enjoy being with him, moreover, I had an excellent season. I even surprised myself.

"Benitez didn't want to hear and isn't prepared to hear about any possibility of letting me go at any price."

The possible arrival of Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry would increase competition for places in Liverpool's midfield, but Benayoun - who scored 11 goals in 48 games last term - is adamant he will only leave if he is told he is not wanted.

"Liverpool is good for me and it was always clear I want to stay and Liverpool wants me," added Benayoun. "I got better offers financially but these tempting offers don't change my mind.

"If Liverpool wouldn't want me, I'd leave there in seconds. Even if I had a contract, if I understood they didn't want me, I'd get up right away and leave. But I'm not leaving Liverpool."