'I hope to stay here for a long time'
Martin Skrtel reflected on six years at Liverpool with pride - and admitted he would love to extend his stay in front of the Kop for many years to come.
In an exclusive chat with the club's official magazine show #LFCWORLD, the No.37 explained why he craves more trophies with the Reds, having won one medal since his move from Zenit St Petersburg in January 2008.
And, asked whether he thought he would still be playing in a red shirt some six years on from when he first arrived at Anfield, Skrtel admitted: "Never, to be honest.
"When I came here I was such a young player and no-one knew me because I had come from a small country in Slovakia to a massive club like Liverpool.
"I never thought I would stay here for six years, so I'm happy and proud to have been here for such a long period. We will see how many more years I am at the club but I hope it's going to be for a long period.
"It wasn't easy for me at the beginning because I didn't know the language and I had to learn new things on the pitch and off it. When I started playing regularly, the feeling was easier and I've enjoyed my time here.
"Every time I play it's a special feeling because I'm proud to be a Liverpool player and I enjoy every single game.
"The highlight for me is when we won the Carling Cup because you play football to win trophies and it's the only trophy I have won in six years here, so I'm hoping we can get some more in the future."
Skrtel's first appearance of the 2013-14 season came against Manchester United at Anfield during the Daniel Sturridge-inspired 1-0 victory over the Reds' rivals.
Prior to that date, the Slovakian had watched from the sidelines, having featured sporadically for Brendan Rodgers' side throughout the second half of the previous campaign.
However, since turning in a solid display against United, Skrtel has been a near constant in the team in all competitions – and his performances have drawn plaudits from many.
"I try to do my best every day in training and in the games as well, and then it's a question for the manager who he picks to start," insisted the centre-back.
"Whenever I play alongside Daniel Agger, Mamadou Sakho or Kolo Toure I just always try to do my best. It doesn't matter who is next to me as I am just happy to be in the team and try to stay in it for as long as I can.
"I'm in the team now and I will do everything to stay in there."