Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has revealed how he ‘rushed’ his injury recovery.
Konate suffered a knee problem in November’s Champions League win over Real Madrid which ruled him out of the next eight games for Arne Slot’s side.
But the France international made a surprise return to action ahead of schedule earlier this month for the 2-2 draw with Manchester United.
And Konate admits that he fast-tracked that comeback in order to help the Reds following Joe Gomez’s hamstring injury towards the end of last year.
He said: “I try to come back really 100 percent but I am not because I rushed my comeback with my knee.
“But I’ve done this for my team. I can die for this team then, it’s fine.
“My knee will come back really 100 percent very soon, it’s fine.
“I still have pain sometimes, but I play with painkillers and it’s enough for me to play.
“I was very close to coming back anyway. The plan was to train on this week.
“But when I saw Joe with his injury, I was like, ‘OK, I have to come back really quick and don’t really think about my knee’.
“For sure, my first game I feel it a little bit but the pain will get better day after day [so] it’s fine.
“It’s enough to play and to have a great game as well.”
Konate also confirmed he has been offered a new long-term contract by the Anfield hierarchy but shot down claims that talks were ongoing in December.
“The club didn’t say anything, I didn’t say anything. It’s one person that said that,” he insisted.
“I didn’t know, after I spoke with the club but I think I am really focused on what happens now.
“We will see what will happen.”
Asked whether he was close to signing the improved terms, the centre-back added: “That’s another conversation.”