Pongo willing to stay

Last updated : 09 January 2006 By Al Campbell
Cup hero Pongolle had been linked with a loan move during the transfer window. Nice, Auxerre and Nancy had all been linked with the France under 21's striker but Pongolle insists he wants to remain at Liverpool and fight for his place in the first team squad.

"I haven't played as much as I would have liked so far this season, so it's understandable that I am a little bit disappointed with how things have gone up to now," he said.

"But I'm happy at Liverpool. I love the club and I am still very much enjoying myself here. Being at this club is a great footballing experience for me.

"I want to prove to people that I am a very good player and that I can be a big success here. Hopefully I will enjoy being a Liverpool player for a long time to come.

"I will have a talk with Rafael Benitez about his plans. I would love the manager to say that he wants me to stay at Liverpool. That's the answer I'm looking for."