Martin Skrtel: 'Leaving Liverpool never an option'

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has revealed that it was never in his plans to leave the club during the summer transfer window.

The Slovakian international had been heavily linked with a move to Napoli before Monday's deadline.

"I'm staying at Liverpool," Skrtel told SITA. "The rumours were never as strong as it was made out.

"There has been no contact with other clubs because the Liverpool management told me that they were counting on me. That is why a transfer was never in my plans."

Skrtel recently made his return from injury during the Merseysiders' 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Premier League.