Cisse determined to make Anfield switch

French international Djibril Cisse has challenged Auxerre’s decision to block his dream move to Liverpool.

The Auxerre president Jean-Claude Hamel claimed earlier this week that it was “out of the question” that Cisse would leave in the summer.

But the 22-year-old striker has reiterated his desire to move to Anfield despite being contracted to Auxerre until 2007.

Cisse, whom Liverpool believe they can sign for around £12m, told France Football magazine: “I dream of joining this club now. Everyone needs to know that.

“I am strong enough to leave, I want to go and see what happens in England.

“In life you have to take risks and I know at Liverpool they want me. If I don’t join them now I will be disappointed.”

He added: “I have been at Auxerre for seven years now. Today if the door can be opened, if everyone can take advantage, I think the time has come to go and see someone else.

“I am 22 years old and it is essential for my evolution. Now that the season is over with Auxerre, it is not a secret any more, I can openly say it: I wish to leave.

“The officials and the coach know my desire and point of view. I want to improve and that means joining a foreign club.

“I don’t want any trial of strength, but I want people at Auxerre to understand my state of mind. I want to taste another kind of football. That kind of challenge represents a deep need.”

If Cisse does finally get his way to join Liverpool, he will find plenty of his compatriots around Anfield, including Houllier’s new first team coach Christian Damiano, who takes over from Jacques Crevoisier, who quit earlier in the week for family reasons.

Houllier also plans to end the loan spell of Anthony Le Tallec and Florent Sinama-Pongolle at Le Havre and bring them to England for the start of pre-season training.

Damiano – a former assistant manager to two France managers and also number two to Houllier when the pair plotted their 1996 European Under-18 Championship triumph – has gone on record underlining his respect for the Liverpool chief.

Speaking in early April, just before Fulham’s visit to Liverpool in the Premiership and just after it had been announced he would leave the West Londoners along with manager Jean Tigana, Damiano said: “It was a privilege and a pleasure to work previously with Gerard and he made a massive contribution to French football at all levels. “

And Damiano approves of the signing of the two youngsters who have been with Le Havre, he added: “That was another fantastic move by Gerard. About a year ago Fulham were in Le Havre hoping to sort out a working relationship with them and we unfortunately missed out. Gerard stepped in and Liverpool supporters should be very happy. They’re two very talented lads.”

But as Damiano agrees to join, Liverpool have confirmed that two other Frenchman will be leaving when their contracts finish at the end of the month with Pegguy Arphexad and Bernard Diomede headed for the Anfield exit.