Rafa wants Liverpool stay

Rafa Benitez has insisted that he wants to stay at Liverpool despite rumours that he has fallen out with American owners Gillett and Hicks. Benitez has stressed that his family is happy in England and loves the support of the Liverpool fans.

"I am quite at ease," Benitez told Sport newspaper. "I would like to fulfil my contract and extend it, if possible.

"My family has settled very well and, to me, the respect and appreciation of the public in England is incredible.

"We are already very close to winning the Premier League. We are now eight points ahead of what we had last year and we have made progress in the Champions League.

"We are in a good position, but others also invest, progress and evolve."

Benitez played down his row with the Americans.

He added: "It has been a little exaggerated. The Americans want the best for the club and so do I.