Maxi Rodriguez Can't Wait for Fernando Torres To Return

Liverpool midfielder Maxi Rodriguez is relishing the prospect of playing alongside former Atletico Madrid teammate Fernando Torres once again.

The Spanish international has been out of action with a knee injury for much of the time Rodriguez has spent at Anfield, but was allowed to start running again on Tuesday as he makes good progress in his recovery.

"Fernando and I had some good times playing together at Atletico. As well as being a great player, he is a good guy," Rodriguez told the Reds' official website. "Obviously we have a really strong squad here at Anfield, but you will always miss someone like him. "So to get him back will be a real bonus. I am looking forward to playing with him again greatly."

Another familiar face at Liverpool has been fellow Argentine international Javier Mascherano, who has played his part in helping his fellow countryman adjust to life in England.

"Javier has been a great help—a massive help—for me, especially from the language point of view," Rodriguez revealed. "When you come to a different club in a different country and you don't understand the language, it's a big help to have someone around who can translate for you.

"However, the big thing is to try on your own, and so when I am out and about I try to learn. I also have a teacher and I'm having lessons, and bit by bit I'll get used to speaking. Speaking is hard so far, but my understanding is coming along."

Rodriguez also believes that he is beginning to settle in on the pitch as well. "I am reasonably satisfied so far—I think I've done okay," he mused.

"I came here to perform and do a job for the side. I think it's a case of working on my physical strength to make sure I can last and be 100 per cent throughout the 90 minutes. "The football is different, as I said before, but I think so far, so good."