Glen Johnson: Liverpool defender not 'crawling' for new Anfield deal

Image source, EPA

Image caption, Johnson's goal against Stoke was his first in the league since December 2012

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson says he will not go "crawling" to the Premier League club for a new contract.

The right-back's current deal runs out next summer, but he says there are no ongoing talks about extending it.

"I want to play for a club that wants me," said the 30-year-old. "I am not going to go crawling to anybody.

"The club know where I am and they know the situation. There were minor talks at the end of last season but nothing I could accept or reject."

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers revealed there were discussions between the club and Johnson's representatives at the end of last season and again in the summer.

He said he was not sure how far those discussions had gone but added that he had spoken with Johnson "just the other week" and urged him to stay focused and keep working hard.

Johnson scored Liverpool's winner in the 1-0 win against Stoke on Saturday as the Reds ended a run of three successive league defeats.

in June 2009 and has made more than 180 appearances for the Reds.

"I've had some good times and some bad times, but if I haven't got a contract then I can't stay," he said.

"Of course, it plays on your mind, but that is when you have to be professional and try to do a job for your team. I respect my team-mates and I want to put in a performance for them."

Asked if he was surprised Liverpool had not made more effort to extend his contract, Johnson added: "I have not really thought of it like that.

"Whether it is football or business, I don't really worry about things I can't control. All I can do is try to keep doing my job every weekend.

"Whatever will unfold will unfold."