Use your head like Sadio and subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Martin Skrtel has revealed how he shunned the advances of Inter Milan before committing his long-term future to Liverpool.

The long-serving Reds centre-back put pen to paper on a three-year deal last week as lengthy negotiations finally reached a successful conclusion.

Skrtel, who was down to the final year of his previous contract, was initially unhappy with the appearance-linked terms he was offered and the Serie A outfit tried to take advantage of the stand-off and lure him to Italy.

However, the defender decided to stay put and much to his delight a compromise was agreed with Anfield officials.

“Obviously there was talk about that (Inter Milan) but the priority for me was always to stay at Liverpool and sign a new contract here,” Skrtel said.

“Inter Milan are a big club but to my mind Liverpool are bigger.

“I am happy because I am staying at Liverpool and they were always my first choice.

“They changed the contract so obviously the talks were a little longer than they usually are but at the end of the day we agreed and that is the most important thing.

“Liverpool are one of the biggest and best football clubs in the world in my eyes and I was always dreaming about playing in England and for a big club like Liverpool.

When you play for Liverpool it's not just about the money

“My dream came true and I have been here almost eight years in the city and we are used to it now. My son (Matteo) was born in Liverpool and that was one of the main reasons I wanted to stay.

“The thing is when you play for a club like Liverpool it’s not always just about the money, it’s about the fans, the people working for the club and everything about Liverpool.”

The 30-year-old, who arrived from Zenit St Petersburg in 2008, is preparing for a ninth season with the Reds.

Manchester City-bound Raheem Sterling may have decided he had to leave Anfield in order to win silverware, but Skrtel is convinced Liverpool can put the heartache of last season behind them and get back challenging for honours.

He’s been buoyed by the business Brendan Rodgers has done in the transfer market this summer to ensure the Reds push on following last term’s sixth placed finish.

I have been very impressed by the new Liverpool signings

“It’s always good when you sign new players early and they can spend all of pre-season together and get used to the team, get used to the players and get to know each other better,” Skrtel said.

“I have to say all the players that have come into the team so far this summer are all quality players and I have been very impressed. I hope we will be stronger and play better football than last season.

“Obviously we didn’t have a good season last year but I believe with the few new faces we have coming into the team now we will be stronger and playing better next season.

“That’s what I believe and we are working very hard every day to be fit and ready for the season and then the players will do the best we can and try and finish as high as we can.

“Obviously we have lost Steven (Gerrard) who was our captain and it will be difficult to replace him and now we have lost Raheem, but new players have come in. This season we have to play more as a team, work together and stick together on the pitch as well and then hopefully our performances and results will be better.”

Skrtel is a strong contender for the vice-captaincy which is vacant following Jordan Henderson’s promotion to skipper. However, he insists it hasn't been discussed yet.

“That’s not a question for me. I have heard nothing – nothing has been said to me about it,” he added.