Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has rubbished suggestions that his recent absences have been down to a lack of commitment to the club.
The 26-year-old has missed large chunks of the past two seasons through injury, and his most recent spell on the sidelines resulted in questions being raised over his desire to remain at Anfield.
However, Sturridge has described such claims as "astonishing" and "disappointing", and insists that he sees his future with Liverpool.
"To say a player doesn't want to play is the biggest disrespect you could ever say to a footballer. I think it is astonishing, disappointing - whoever is saying it - but that's football and people are entitled to their opinions," he told reporters.
"I would probably say a lot of the things people say about me aren't true. I don't listen to social media but it is surprising [to be questioned] - I didn't know religion had anything to do with football. I don't think anyone will understand how much it means to me to play football and I'll continue to do my best and focus on Liverpool.
"It's important to worry about the present. It has been a difficult time being injured but it is part of football and now I'm looking forward to the future, of course with Liverpool. There is not much to stress about the situation; I'm pretty relaxed, I've been relaxed and I'm happy here."
Sturridge has featured in Liverpool's last three matches, taking his season tally up to nine appearances.
Barney Corkhill
