JOHN ALDRIDGE today slammed reports that claimed he said: "Liverpool must sack Rafa Benitez".
The fromer Anfield and Ireland striker and Reds legend was quoted in glossy 'lads' mag', Nuts which alleged he said, among other things, that Liverpool must sack Benitez, that the manager "can't claim injuries are a problem" and that "he could not see any way for Liverpool to finish in the top four".
However, Aldridge, who says he is now considering legal action, was today mystified and furious with the offending article, which was also picked up and reported nationally elsewhere today, as he vehemently denied speaking to the magazine.
He has spoken to members of Liverpool's backroom staff this morning to explain that he did not make any such comments and is now considering his options.
"I can categorically say that I never spoke to Nuts Magazine," Aldridge, a Football Echo columnist, said today.
"I certainly wouldn't say anything so inflammatory that Rafa should be sacked.
"Rafa is under enough pressure at the moment and his job is hard enough; I have never, ever said that he should go.
"The story is completely fictitious. I will be consuklting my lawyers about the matter."
Aldridge added: "As for this being the most difficult time I have ever experienced as a Liverpool fan, it's anything but.
"Yes, things are not going as we would like them to be but we are just experiencing a bad season.
"That's all."
