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Kuyt commits to Liverpool

Simon Stone,Press Association
Friday 09 July 2010 10:31 BST
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Kuyt has enjoyed an excellent World Cup
Kuyt has enjoyed an excellent World Cup (GETTY IMAGES)

Dirk Kuyt has given new Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson some good news by declaring his wish to remain at Anfield.

Kuyt is yet to speak with Rafael Benitez's replacement and will be otherwise engaged this weekend as he looks to win the World Cup with Holland.

But once the excitement of life in South Africa has died down, Kuyt will have a chat with Hodgson.

And one of his first tasks will be to re-assure his new boss about his future plans.

"Of course I want to stay," said the 26-year-old.

"Liverpool is a great club with a great history.

"Unfortunately in my four years I haven't won anything but hopefully in the future, I will still have that chance.

"We will have to see what happens but hopefully the manager wants me to stay.

"I spoke to people at the club and I know he wants to speak with me. But it is very difficult at the moment because we are so busy and focus on what lies ahead."

However, Kuyt cannot hide his relief at being able to put a tortuous season behind him and get to the brink of such a staggering achievement with Holland.

The Dutch take on Spain on Sunday with both countries looking for their first World Cup success.

"It is really satisfying to end the season like this," he said.

"It has been a long and hard season at Liverpool. Mentally it has been tough.

"You play for a club like that to win trophies and it did not happen.

"Thankfully, the Dutch manager gave me a week off after I had finished with Liverpool so I could focus on this tournament.

"That was good for me. Afterwards I trained hard. I fought for my place in the team. I am enjoying myself now and here we are in the final."

Holland can expect the normal industrious display from Kuyt but it is Wesley Sneijder who has been making the Oranje tick from his position just behind lone front-man Robin van Persie.

Little wonder Manchester United have expressed an interest in Sneijder, although it appears they have no chance of getting their man.

"I have a very good feeling at Inter and I don't want to let them down after winning everything and losing Mourinho," he said.

"My goal is to be as successful this year with the new coach.

"I am not surprised about the interest because I have been playing well but my intention is to stay at Inter.

"I want to talk to them later this month about extending my contract."

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