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Marko Grujic believes his season-long loan at Hertha Berlin will provide the perfect experience for him to relaunch his Liverpool career next summer.

The 22-year-old midfielder is on the comeback trail after recovering from the ankle ligament injury he suffered playing against Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga last month.

Despite his recent stint on the sidelines, Grujic is loving life in Berlin and remains in close contact with Jurgen Klopp and his staff.

Before leaving on loan in August he penned a new contract to keep him at Anfield until 2023.

He had also attracted interest from Crystal Palace, Cardiff City, Middlesbrough, Torino, CSKA Moscow and Lyon, but Klopp felt that Hertha was the best place for the combative youngster to continue his development.

“I am really enjoying it and so far it's been a good decision to come here I'd say,” Grujic told the ECHO.

“When I've been in the changing room after games, I've received messages from the manager and the medical staff. It's a good sign that they care and are thinking about me.

“I had a plan to one day play for Liverpool and that's still the case. It's not easy of course because Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“But everyone has their own different way. I think at my age playing in the Bundesliga this season can help me to reach that goal - that one day I can play regularly for Liverpool.

“When I was in England, I saw what was necessary to do every week. I am working hard. The Bundesliga offers really good opportunities for young players to develop.

“The style is similar to the Premier League in that it's very intense, especially with how quick and strong Liverpool are with the counter-pressing.”

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Grujic, who cost £5.1million from Red Star Belgrade in 2016, helped Cardiff City earn promotion to the Premier League while on loan last season, but turned down the chance to rejoin the Bluebirds.

Instead he linked up with Pal Dardai's squad and enjoyed a flying start to the season with sixth-placed Hertha before an ankle injury derailed his progress.

“From the first day I was made to feel very welcome and we had some great games. We're in a good position in the Bundesliga,” Grujic added.

“On the pitch and off the pitch, I'm happy here. I started well and then I got injured which was annoying but it's part of the game.

“Now it's better. I'm running again and next it's ball exercises. Soon I will be back with the team and then it's down to the coach when I will play some part in the matches. I hope it will be next weekend. I can't wait for that moment when I can play again.”

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