"When you are doing well in this profession, you usually get offers from clubs or coaches looking to bolster their squads. Rafa Benítez, though, wanted me, and believed in me at the lowest point of my career. And he was asking me to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, Liverpool FC. From then on he became a very important person for me. Not only on a day to day basis but also for my future. And I hope I repaid him with my efforts. When he coaches he always looks to get the best out of every player, like he did with me, something for which I will be eternally grateful".

"Rafa Benítez lifted me out of a dark hole which at the time made me feel like I was 20 metres underground, and put me in a positive frame of mind. Ever since I first played for him we have remained in touch. Most importantly he is a great person and a superb coach and with him you can learn a lot if that's what you really want."