Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 5 Num 215 Fri. December 31, 2004  
   
Sports


Morientes' mind is made


Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes, who helped Monaco to the Champions League final last season, has said he will be joining Premiership side Liverpool.

Although he returned to the Bernabeu this season, the Spain international is down the pecking order behind Ronaldo, Raul and former Liverpool striker Michael Owen.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is desperate to bolster his attack after summer signing Djibril Cisse broke a leg earlier this season.

"Yes, I am going to England - I have decided," Morientes said in comments reported on Liverpool's official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv

"I will go to Liverpool and for many reasons. The main reason is the coach Rafa Benitez. He is Spanish and knows me perfectly, which is worth a lot for a professional.

"We have asked Real Madrid to make a fast solution and I don't want to expand any further, except to say I am already looking through the English dictionary."

The player's agent Gines Carvajal has admitted Morientes' future is now in the hands of Madrid, who will need to agree a fee for the player.

"Everything depends on Real Madrid. I haven't seen anything in writing from Liverpool," added Carvajal.

"I know they spoke with Madrid and the initial amount did not satisfy the president. But within the right price frame the feelings of the player will be a priority. That is important."