Sissoko - Gerrard will stay put

Former Red backs skipper to remain at Anfield

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 13th May 2008

mohamed sissoko juventus

Sissoko: Enjoying life in Italy

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Mohamed Sissoko expects his former team-mate Steven Gerrard to remain at Liverpool.

The Mali international left Anfield in January to join Serie A giants Juventus, but does not expect Gerrard to be joining him in Italy.

The annual rumours surrounding the England midfielder's future with the Reds have already begun, but Sissoko believes that the Liverpool captain would find it impossible to tear himself away from his boyhood club.

Difficult

"Steven Gerrard for me s one of the best midfielders in the world," he said.

"If Inter Milan want him it will be very difficult because he has been at Liverpool since he was young, he is one of the best players for Liverpool.

"We will see what happens in the next transfer window."

Important

Sissoko may not be expecting Gerrard to turn his back on the Premier League any time soon, but he admits that he is thoroughly enjoying life since leaving England for Turin in the New Year.

"I am very happy to be at one of the best clubs in the world - Juventus," he said.

"All the time I enjoy Juventus games and this is more important for me."

Intensity

The former Valencia man has helped Juve clinch a place back in the UEFA Champions League for next season and he fully expects Italian clubs to mount a serious assault on the competition in 2009.

"I think when we see Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan, all these teams have very good players so I think next year the Champions League is going to be very hard," he added.

"I think in England the game is a high tempo and since coming to Italy I think the intensity of the game is less but tactically I think it is very difficult to play in Italy.

"I played in Spain, I play in Italy and I played in England. I can't say which one is the best, all three are very good championships."