Rodriguez raring to go

Maxi rubbishes fitness worries and eyes immediate involvement

Last updated: 15th January 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rodriguez raring to go

Maxi: 18-month contract

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New Liverpool winger Maxi Rodriguez has set his sights on adapting quickly to his new surroundings.

The Argentine arrived at Anfield on Wednesday after completing a free transfer from Atletico Madrid, signing an 18-month contract with the struggling Reds.

The 29-year-old has already begun learning the English language but, after spending most of this season on the bench in Spain, Rodriguez is eager to get going.

"It is a good move in my career and I am very happy to be stepping up to a club like Liverpool," he told the club's official website.

"My primary objective is to adapt, fit in, support the team, help other players and just get out there and get playing.

"For any player it is a great honour to pull on the Liverpool shirt and I'd like to do that as soon as possible.

"I am looking forward to a successful time here. I want to help the institution that is Liverpool and contribute the best I can.

"Of course it will be a challenge, but I don't think it will take me too long to adapt," he added.

"I will be playing at a high tempo and I hope the speed I can play at will suit Liverpool.

Language

"I am also hoping to learn English and I tried to study a little bit before I came over here.

"Both on a social and footballing level, I am ready get on with it, integrate and contribute to the best of my ability."

Rodriguez, who has 10 international goals in 35 appearances, does not feel his lack of action this term is a problem and hopes to get involved starting this weekend at Stoke.

"I have not played too many matches, that's true, and I did miss the last few fixtures due to the interest being shown in me by Liverpool," he said.

"But I have been training, so I am fairly fit and hoping to pretty much go straight into the squad."

Rodriguez joins compatriot Javier Mascherano and former Atletico team-mate Fernando Torres at the club and is now looking forward to teaming up with the duo in the same side.

"It's always been a pleasure to share a dressing room with these guys and play alongside them.

"It's great to have the opportunity to get back into their lives and play football together."