LIVERPOOL boss Brendan Rodgers is still hoping to convince Maxi Rodriguez to stay at Anfield – but admits he could be facing a losing battle.
The 31-year-old midfielder is keen to return to Argentina to sign for Newell’s Old Boys this summer.
Rodriguez (below) grew frustrated with his lack of game time at Liverpool last season and wants to move back to South America for family reasons.
However, he remains contracted to the Reds for a further 12 months and as it stands will travel with the squad when the tour of North America starts on Monday.
Rodgers said: “I have known about Maxi for a long time. He will understand 120% about the way I want us to play.
“But sometimes there are issues that surround that – that’s what I am speaking to him about now. He doesn’t speak the language, it has been difficult for his family.
“If a player like him wanted to leave, it would not be because of the club. Sometimes it is just personal issues. I have had a couple of real good conversations with him. I know his thoughts and how he is thinking. It was a difficult season for him. He probably felt that he should have played more.
“We will hopefully see where he is at over the next couple of weeks and find a solution for him.
“But he would be a very good player for our squad.”
