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Daniel Sturridge: Former Chelsea & Liverpool striker wants Premier League return

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Daniel Sturridge says his first choice is to return to the Premier League

Daniel Sturridge has exclusively told Sky Sports News that he has 'unfinished business' and wants to return to the Premier League.

The former England striker has been out of the game since leaving Turkish side Trabzonspor in March after being handed a four-month ban for breaching the FA's gambling regulations.

But Sturridge has maintained his training schedule at his base in Los Angeles and says he is ready to attack the next chapter in his career.

"We have options around the world but I'm an English player and I've always loved playing in the Premier League," he said.

"I believe I've got a lot to give to the Premier League and I would say that's my first choice. I do feel I have unfinished business so I would like to go back and play there.

Daniel Sturridge in action for Trabzonspor
Image: Sturridge has been without a club since leaving Trabzonspor

"I'm open to playing in other leagues, it's not just the Premier League I'm going to consider, but to come back to England and give my best would be a huge option for me.

"I'm very excited, I'm hungrier than ever and I'm totally focused on the next chapter."

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Sturridge, who turns 31 next month, has scored 105 goals in 306 appearances in English football during spells with Manchester City, Chelsea, Bolton, Liverpool and West Brom.

He has been linked with clubs in the Premier League and abroad, and believes his current situation makes him an attractive proposition.

"I'd like to think I'm one of the better options for teams," he added.

"I'm a free agent and I've played for a lot of top clubs around the world. I'm just ready to help a team be successful and to be a big part of their plans.

"I believe there's a lot left in these legs. Although I've been around a long time, I would say that there's miles on the clock but this vehicle has a lot left."

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Sturridge: I was buzzing when Liverpool won the PL

Sturridge was also full of praise after watching his former Liverpool teammates end their 30-year wait for a top-flight league title when they won the Premier League last season.

It was a feat that evaded the forward during his time at Anfield, where he was a two-time runner-up.

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Sturridge says Liverpool's Premier League title success was a 'long time coming' and left him feeling 'buzzing'

But Sturridge, who has also won 26 caps for England, said he could not be happier for the club to have finally got their hands on another league title.

"It's been a long time coming for the fans. When I was at the club we finished second twice but got pipped to the post by Man City both times," Sturridge said.

"So I am sure the feeling from the players' perspective, for the fans to be able to finally get over the post and to win, must have been an incredible feeling.

"Even for myself watching the boys and just seeing them celebrating everything, I was buzzing for them.

Daniel Sturridge spent six-and-a-half years at Anfield
Image: Daniel Sturridge spent six-and-a-half years at Anfield

"When you have had that pain of losing and not quite getting there, to be able to get there and to be able to lift the trophy, for Hendo (Jordan Henderson) it must have been an incredible feeling."

The 30-year-old capped his time at Anfield by winning the Champions League but a combination of fitness issues and the form of the likes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino restricted his game time.

However he was quick to point out the high standards his former teammates set at training and suggested that a relentless work ethic has played a big part in their success.

Daniel Sturridge lifts the Champions League trophy after Liverpool's win over Tottenham in 2019
Image: Sturridge lifts the Champions League trophy after Liverpool's win over Tottenham in 2019

"The numbers they are putting up, incredible," Sturridge said.

"For myself, playing with them and seeing them train day in and day out, working their socks off on the pitch and performing at the highest level, you have to commend that.

"Likewise, for the other lads as well from the time I was there, not to mention Divock (Origi) as well who has been performing very well and has been working tirelessly to get his opportunities. There's a lot of players that deserve credit."

Summer transfer window - key dates and times

The summer transfer window will run for 10 weeks from July 27 and close at 11pm on October 5.

A domestic-only window for trades between the Premier League and EFL then runs from October 5 and closes on Friday October 16 at 5pm. Follow all the news and analysis on Sky Sports News and across Sky Sports' digital platforms, including with our dedicated Transfer Centre blog.

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