Sturridge: I don't get the credit
Daniel Sturridge blasted Liverpool to an opening day victory over Stoke City on Saturday but later insisted that any credit should not go to him, but goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
Despite only returning from an ankle injury last weekend, the 23-year-old was a buzzing presence throughout the win over the Potters and fired the only goal of the encounter.
The Reds required a dramatic late penalty save from Mignolet to secure all three points, however, and Sturridge was quick to praise the Belgian between the posts for his contribution.
"It's great to get off to a winning start, to be part of it and to get back so quickly from the injury," the No.15 told Liverpoolfc.com post-match.
"More importantly, the team spirit today and how we performed as a team, it was great to be part of it.
"I want to credit the goalkeeper as well for such a great save; that's what won us the game, it wasn't my goal.
"It's great to be part of a winning team, that's the most important thing. I'm not crediting myself for the win today, I'm crediting Simon Mignolet for the save.
"It shows that we've got strength in depth now and we can rely on him. The way he introduced himself to the crowd is testament to the person he is."
Sturridge missed much of the club's pre-season preparations, including the summer tour, after suffering an injury on international duty with England back in May.
The striker explained that his fitness levels have not yet reached 100 per cent but he is growing in strength with each passing day.
He continued: "I was enjoying it. I had the wrong studs on in the first half so I was slipping and sliding. Besides that, it was great to be out there.
"I don't feel 100 per cent, to be honest, but I'm working every day to get stronger.
"My ankle is not full strength, neither is my calf - I'm just working to get stronger each day. But it was great to be part of such a great victory today."
In adding his name to the scoresheet against Stoke yesterday, Sturridge continued the goalscoring form which saw him notch 11 goals in 16 appearances after arriving at Anfield in January.
But has the England international set himself any targets at the start of this World Cup season?
"I have got a few targets but I'm going to keep those to myself and just work each day and not put any pressure on myself," the striker added.
"It's always nice to have targets; I learned that from one of the physios, who said it's good to have a target because at least you know what you're aiming for.
"I've got secretive targets but I'm not going to disclose them to anyone."