Stewart Downing has issued a defiant statement to anyone questioning his Liverpool future: 'I'm here to stay'.

The winger forced his way into Brendan Rodgers' thinking in the latter half of 2012-13 with a series of excellent displays.

Such form has led to reported interest in the 28-year-old this summer but Downing is focused on one thing - retaining his place and being part of a successful Liverpool team.

"I'm here to stay," he told Liverpoolfc.com. "I'm enjoying it - especially last season. I got a good run in the team. Hopefully that will continue, and I need to work hard.

"I want it to continue. It's why I came here - to play in a successful team. I want that to continue as long as possible."

Downing and his teammates are currently in Jakarta on the first leg of the summer tour - and they were greeted on Wednesday afternoon by roughly 1,000 fans who'd found their way into a private airport.

One of them held aloft a banner with the words 'Stay here SD19 - don't go away'.

"It's brilliant to have people behind you, the fans," said Downing. "When they're behind you, you want to do well for them and play well.

"We had a bit of a laugh about it on the bus but all in good spirits!"

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The players have been mobbed every step of the way in Indonesia.

"It's unbelievable," added Downing. "There were great scenes and the lads are happy to be here.

"They were following the bus and chasing after it on motorbikes. I've not seen that at any of the clubs I've been at before.

"You can't doubt the support of this club worldwide.

"All the new players were taking photos and videos."