Benitez rules out Agger exit
03 Oct 2008 - 14:28:52
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez insists Daniel Agger is not for sale after reports suggested the Denmark international was a target for Real Madrid.
The 23-year-old former Brondby defender, who recently recovered from a serious foot injury, is reportedly on Real's wish-list when the transfer window reopens in January.
However, Benitez told the Reds' official website: "The situation is very simple, Daniel Agger is our player and he is not for sale.
"His future is at Anfield and nowhere else. He knows my ideas because we have talked with him and he has a long future with us.
"We do not want to lose our concentration just before we play Manchester City by talking about other things, but it is important that people know that Agger is not for sale."
Agger has made only two starts - against Standard Liege in the Champions League and in the Carling Cup tie with Crewe Alexandra - so far this season, but said earlier this week that he was happy with life at Anfield.
He was quoted as saying: "I have no problem in this club. Rafa Benitez has just said that the team is playing very well and that is why I am not playing. I want to stay here and fight for my place in the squad.
"I'm not satisfied with the fact that I'm not playing, but I have to cope and accept it. I'm happy at Liverpool."