Daniel Sturridge: 'I left Manchester City to play football'

England international Daniel Sturridge has insisted that he left Manchester City in 2009 to play regular first-team football and not for the money.

The 26-year-old joined Chelsea when his contract with City expired, but the current Liverpool striker insisted that the Manchester club are still 'in his heart'.

The forward told Sky Sports News: "They are a big club and have been very successful over the last few years. They have done a lot for myself and my family. They are in my heart, regardless of whether the fans boo me or not.

"Of course they will [boo me], they always do. They have a perception of me leaving for money, but I feel the opportunity was never there for me.

"They bought a lot of centre-forwards at the time. I think they had seven or eight players in the time I was there that they bought in my position, so I didn't think my chances were at that club."

Sturridge, who has scored two goals in three appearances in the Premier League this season, declared himself fit earlier this week for the game against City tonight.