"Houllier knocked the confidence out of me," he said. "I wasn't being picked and I thought it would be best to leave Liverpool in the summer.
"I was very hurt at not being in the side. I was fit and felt it was an injustice, but a new coach has come in now and the situation has changed.
"Every player will start next season from the same point under Rafael Benitez and we will all have something to prove. With the old manager gone, I now want to stay and be a part of it.
"I had lost my motivation at Liverpool and it was only when I met up with my national team-mates that I lost weight, gained some mental belief and got my motivation back.
"I have heard people say I play differently for my country but that's simply not true. I play exactly the same at Liverpool but when you play for your club there are not so many people watching you.
"All I can hope is that I transfer this form to next season."