Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina insists he never felt he needed to leave the club amid the bleak midwinter and is now excited by the future after seeking assurances over a 'big summer'.
The Spain international admitted last week he had been unsure of his own career five months ago, with the 18-time champions of England languishing in 12th place in the Premier League and morale at an all-time low.
However, the arrival of Kenny Dalglish, who signed a three-year contract on Thursday, the turnaround in results and pledges from director of football Damien Comolli of significant squad investment have revitalised the club.
The perceived bright future at Anfield has also persuaded Reina, a reported target of Manchester United and Arsenal, to stay at a club he admits he does not want to leave.
"In recent weeks I believe we are going in the right direction and we have to keep it like that," said Reina, who also briefly spoke to Liverpool's principal owner John Henry after Sunday's 2-0 defeat at home to Tottenham.
"I have been talking to Damien Comolli as well, asking about the future, and I believe in this club and the project."
Jose Reina
Quotes of the week
"Next season it will be more positive and the quicker we react and improve the better it will be for the club.
Next step
"It won't change as quickly as night follows day, it may take a little while, but we are optimistic.
"I think the owners are preparing a big summer and hopefully we are going to be right in there with transfers and those players who are coming in will help us to improve the squad.
"I have been talking to Comolli as well, asking about the future, and I believe in this club and the project.
"In December and January I think most of the people, not just us players, were doubting we were good enough.
"I never felt I had to leave because I wanted to believe in the project but the situation was not nice and the mood around the place was not good.
"Fortunately that is not the case any more and we are prepared to take the next step forward and that is where we have to look now.
"It is not about the past, it is about the bright future we have in front of us.
"I am happy here and my family really wanted to stay because we are happy.
good news - he's a good character to have at a club - stone bloody mad by all accounts.
