Portuguese star tells Brendan Rodgers: I want to play for Liverpool

Since signing for the Reds in September 2013 from Sporting Lisbon, Ilori has been loaned out to Granada and Bordeaux in successive seasons.

Asked about his aims for the coming campaign, Ilori said that he joined the club two years ago to play for Liverpool and that remains his “number one objective” – which he will do “everything” he can to make happen. “I joined Liverpool two seasons ago to play for Liverpool“.

‘My objective is the same as every other player, we all want to play so everyone’s going to fight for their place’.

Ilori has described the injury as “frustrating” to the Echo but after having had no summer break for two years, it came as a blessing in disguise as it allowed the gifted defender a chance to sit back and recover.

Should Liverpool retain the player, he faces an uphill battle to force his way into the side with Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren, Mamadou Sakho, Kolo Toure and Joe Gomez all considered ahead of him in the pecking order.

Ilori added that it was annoying “not being able to start with the rest of the group in pre-season” but that it was perhaps better than it happening during the season. “Injury wise, I’m now 100%”.

“The injury during the Euros was frustrating, I felt somehow and decided I had to come off but then I played the final and felt great”. They needed tonight for minutes, fitness and exposure and I thought both boys acquitted themselves well. I think Tiago will obviously benefit from a loan experience. going and playing in the leagues will be important for him.

Speaking on the fleet-footed central defender, Beale continued that Ilori might benefit from another loan if the option is either that or to stay at Anfield and play regular under-21s football. During the summer, Ilori starred for Portugal at the Under-21 European Championships as his country finished runners-up to Sweden, and he is now focused on making strides in his club career.