Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has revealed that he thought about leaving Anfield when he lost his place in the side last season.

The Slovakian centre-back was dropped after a poor display against Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup last term, but has since re-established himself as first choice, and he said that he was "so happy" he opted to remain with the Reds.

Skrtel told the Liverpool Echo: "I would be lying if I said I didn't think about leaving. "It wasn't easy for me after last season. I was on the bench in the second part of the season and that was something new for me.

"But it is not easy to leave a club like Liverpool because they are still one of the best clubs in the world. After six years here it was not easy to say 'okay, I'm leaving'. Before this season started I just said to myself 'I will fight and work very hard to try to show people I am able to play and start the games'.

"I tried to work very hard in training every day and when I got a chance to play I tried to do my best to help the team. After games like Saturday's (5-1 win against Arsenal), I am just so glad and so happy that I stayed. Liverpool are a massive club and I just wanted to prove to people I am able to play for this club."

Manager Brendan Rodgers recently claimed that Skrtel was one of the best defenders in the league.