Prem too tough for Moro
21 Sep 2006 - 12:16:46
Fernando Morientes has blamed the physical nature of English football for his inability to make an impact during his 18-month spell at Liverpool.
The Spain striker joined the Reds from Real Madrid in a £6.3million deal in January 2005, but scored just 12 times in 60 appearances before being sold to Valencia at a huge loss at the end of last season.
Morientes, who has netted five goals in three outings for his new club, told Sport: "I wanted to return to what I knew and play the kind of football in which I felt more comfortable.
"I didn't like the physical nature of the game in England or the referees who let more things go, and who blow for fewer fouls than they do here.
"A striker isn't protected from rival defences there, and they gave me a really hard time."