He says: "I admit at first I was scared to come to England. I was afraid of learning a new language, getting to know new players of so many nationalities.
"Benitez asked me if I was willing to change my surroundings, that he had thought of a special role in the side for me, that the adventure was going to interesting, attractive and that he needed competitive people like me. He knows me very well from our time together at Tenerife and I just had to come.
"In an early game away at Man United, Rio Ferdinand kicked me with all of his power. I flew one metre high and when I landed he muttered: 'Welcome to the Premiership'. In midfield it is like a wrestling match. Football is very different here to Spain.
"But I knew I was coming to a club where I would be allowed to express myself and where I was going to play an important part. There is nothing more essential to a player than to feel wanted.
"Day by day, we at Liverpool we are doing better on the pitch, victories are coming and we are imposing our personalities.
"I signed for five years but when I run out at Anfield on a European night, I'd sign for two more seasons if it was offered there and then. I think we could surprise a lot of people this year.
"The result in Leverkusen was an extremely important result for us. It makes the team have more belief and it gives us the incentive to keep working hard in the Premiership.
"The truth is, we've been playing very well but haven't been getting the results, and for me personally, this result boosted my confidence.
"It is certainly one of the most important matches I have ever played and I am hoping it will help us in the next few games. I think to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League is an important achievement for any team, and especially for any player.
"We know it is going to be difficult from here but we will do our damnedest. The most important thing is that we have confidence in ourselves. It doesn't matter who we play against."