Kewell: I need to repay Rafa

Paul Rogers

14th Nov 2005 - Latest News

Harry Kewell has vowed to rediscover his fitness and form and repay Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez for keeping faith with him during a year blighted by wretched luck.

The midfielder played all 90 minutes for Australia as they lost 1-nil away to Uruguay in the first leg of their World Cup Play Off at the weekend and now he hopes to finally shake off the injuries that have ruined 2005 for him.

"The lowest point was definitely May 25th," claims Kewell of a year that should have been his most memorable ever. "The Champions League final. Walking off the pitch. I was feeling good. I thought I was fighting fit but as soon as I stuck my leg out my whole adductor snapped. I felt it go and I looked down and I saw a big lump down there. I couldn't move.

"To be on the biggest stage for club football and to have to come off after 20 minutes was horrible. I couldn't really hear the booing but if people were doing that, then each to their own. If they knew the truth about the injury maybe they would think twice about it. People can say what they like about me.

"My family and friends were brilliant while I was injured. My wife has been fantastic because she has been the one who has had to deal with me for the last year and a bit.

"The manager Rafael Benitez has been brilliant too. To show confidence in me, by starting me in the Champions League final, when everyone was turning around and saying, 'What are you doing?', showed great confidence. I really respect that and I need to repay him."

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