Gutierrez: I'm as good as Giggs

Last updated : 24 April 2003 By Chris Maxwell
The 20-year-old Argentine midfielder, who is spending a week on trial with Liverpool from Velez Sarsfield, also admitted to a dark secret which will shock even his most fervant supporters - he is an Everton fan!

Gutierrez said: "I think I play as well as someone like a (Andres) D'Alessandro, or a (Ryan) Giggs. I am very creative and like to play on the left side.

"My game is more technical and not so physical, so I would rather play in Spain. I also like the warm weather and speak the language there and so I think it would be easier for me to adapt.

"But, for now, England would be more than fine, it would be a good starting point for me to move on to Spain.

"I am certain I can play at the highest level, and make an immediate impact on any team that takes me. My club in Argentina is a big club, so I would rather come in at a higher level than with some small club."

"The coach and I have had a personality clash. That's why I decided to quit the club, it was a personal decision.

"An Argentinian told me he represented Liverpool and spoke to my team and my family about me coming over to sign a contract with them.

"Funnily enough, my family are all Everton fans, so it will be strange to come to Liverpool to play for Liverpool. But I am a professional and will do my best."

If Gutierrez proves to be as free flowing with his feet as he is with his mouth, most Reds fans will welcome his addition to a squad bereft of such sparkling personality.