Morientes raring to go against United

Phil Barnett

The Spanish international is set to complete his move to the Premiership after Real Madrid accepted a £6.3 million bid from the Reds for his services.

And Morientes, who will undergo a medical on Merseyside today, believes the north-west derby against his old Champions League foes would be the perfect time to make his bow.

“I am hoping to make my debut (on Saturday),” he said.

“You can’t ask for more than a debut against Manchester United. It would be a great debut for me and even better if the team wins.

“Now all I can do is hope that the medical goes well and I am registered in time to play.”

Morientes claimed three Champions League winner’s medals while at Madrid, whom he joined from Real Zaragoza in 1997.

He is cup-tied in that competition and unable to assist his new club’s progress, but is nonetheless keen to focus on a new chapter in his career.

The 28-year-old revealed: “Not being able to play in the Champions League is a shame, but I probably wouldn’t have played much had I stayed here (in Madrid). Now I have to help Liverpool qualify to play next year.

“I am going with hope and promise I will work like any other player and try to make the club greater than it already is, although bearing in mind their history, that is not going to be easy.”

Morientes was farmed out to Monaco on a season-long loan last term and caught the eye as his goals fired the Principality club to the final of the Champions League, where they were defeated by Porto.

Madrid chose to retain the prolific striker last summer but their penchant for buying big-named players and casting aside effective squad members saw Morientes play only a bit-part role as former Anfield favourite Michael Owen sneaked ahead of him in the pecking order.

“The last six months have not been a good time for me,” said Morientes.

“If you decide to go in mid-season it is because something is not working. I had no option other than to tell the club what I thought and hope they would accept my decision.”

The Spaniard is believed to have signed a four-year deal and claimed Liverpool had made him the best offer.

“I want to play and I had several offers, but I think the best for me and my family was Liverpool’s.

“I am happy for that reason, but sad because it has been eight years here at Madrid and I will never forget them. This is a new stage in my life and I am excited about it.

“I am grateful the club (Madrid) have accepted my wishes to go to Liverpool rather than other better offers they could have had. All I can say is thanks to all the clubs who were interested.

“One of them was Lyon, but when their offer came in I had given my word to Liverpool.

“The Lyon offer came later and I had made my decision. I wanted to go to England.”