Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani is keen to catch Brendan Rodgers' eye

The Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani says he is puzzled by his past treatment at Anfield but he remains hopeful of proving himself to Brendan Rodgers.

Aquilani, 28, is back with the Reds after two seasons in Italy on loan. "How can you pay £20m for a player and this player is never taken into consideration?" he said. "I never asked to leave but I was always pushed by the club. I am here and I would like to play for Liverpool but it doesn't depend only on me."

Aquilani played the first half of Liverpool's friendly defeat by his former club Roma in Boston on Wednesday, and new manager Rodgers said he is still considering whether he has a future at the club. But the Italian international, who has two years left on his contract and is keen to stay at Anfield, says his initial meetings with Rodgers have been encouraging.