Enrique: I want to emulate Carra
The legacy which Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard are creating at Liverpool was a major factor in Jose Enrique's decision to join the club, the Spanish defender has revealed.
Enrique swapped Tyneside for Merseyside during the summer of 2011 following four years with Newcastle - a switch influenced by the desire to emulate modern greats at Anfield.
"One of the reasons I came here was Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and now Luis Suarez," the 27-year-old told LFC TV in the latest edition of 'Life Through a Lens'.
"These are players that have amazing history at the club and I want to try to be like them in the future here."
Having worked particularly closely with Carragher as two parts of the Liverpool back four, Enrique considers the vice-captain to be the perfect example for any player.
The left-back continued: "You have to respect the past he has here - he's a player that has played 700 games.
"It's not lucky, he deserves it. He has been an amazing player for Liverpool for many years and he's an example for any player here."
Reflecting further on his transfer to Anfield, Enrique - who has clocked up 75 appearances in a Liverpool jersey - insisted there was never any doubt that he wanted to become a Red.
"It was one of the best decisions in my life, in terms of football," he added.
"Of course, I already played for a good club at Newcastle, but you can't compare one club with the other in terms of history.
"It was really quick; I knew there was interest from before the summer. When they started talking to Newcastle about how much I was going to go for, it was one or two days to sort it out. I told them I wanted to come here.
"I'm really happy with my decision to be here; it's my second season and I'm playing a lot, like last year. I'm improving a lot as a player and a person as well."
Glen Johnson recently discussed his attempts to learn Spanish and Enrique has been helping his defensive colleague along the way - although he joked that money might have to change hands.
The Spaniard said: "I try to make him learn a little bit - maybe he has to pay me a little bit of money because I give him Spanish lessons every day.
"I really like Johnson. As a player, he is one of the best right-backs in the world, and he's a really good person as well."
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is also fluent in Spanish, a factor which has allowed Enrique to develop a closer relationship than ever before with his manager.
"He likes to be close with the players. He talks with everyone the same - it surprised me that he knows all the young players, coming from the U16s and U18s," said the former Villarreal man.
"He knows the name of everyone; it's good because the young players are people like us and it's good for them to know that the manager knows them. I really like the manager."
Enrique has lifted one trophy since joining the club, tasting Carling Cup success as the Reds overcame Cardiff on penalties at Wembley 14 months ago.
Taking a spot-kick is not a situation the defender looks forward to, although he expressed his delight at claiming his first Liverpool goal earlier in the current campaign.
He laughed: "I am realistic in my life - if you're not good at something, don't do it. I'm not good at taking penalties so I will be last, even after Pepe.
"It was an amazing feeling to score my first Liverpool goal. It was one of the best moments I have ever had."