Alberto Aquilani has dropped a major hint that he will not return to Liverpool following his season-long loan at Juventus.
The Italy international midfielder has headed back to Serie A after one injury-plagued season at Anfield.
The £20million signing from AS Roma made just 18 Premier League appearances following a long-running battle with an ankle problem during the 2009-10 campaign.
New Reds boss Roy Hodgson sanctioned his loan departure shortly after taking the reins and Aquilani has suggested his long-term futures now lies in Italy.
"Liverpool were relying on me and deep down I would have stayed because I overcame my physical problems and the fans were very affectionate towards me," he said.
"But then this chance came and I did not think twice about it. Liverpool only wanted to give me away on loan, but (Juve sporting director) Giuseppe Marotta insisted on the buy option.
"I would like to (stay) but everything depends on this season as I am on loan.
"I have hope because I came here with the intent to make it a permanent stay, but to be honest I am thinking about Sunday's game against Sampdoria, not where I will be in years to come."