Daniel Sturridge says getting another chance at Liverpool is like returning to an old girlfriend.

The England striker’s injury struggles have robbed him of playing time at Anfield over the last few seasons, as he fell down the pecking order under manager Jurgen Klopp and was eventually sent out on loan to West Brom for the second half of last season.

However, he’s returned to the club and looked sharp in preseason, and Klopp has been suitably impressed.

For his part, the 28-year-old says he’s happy being back at the club he nearly led to a long-awaited Premier League triumph in 2013-14, when his partnership with Luis Suarez had taken Liverpool to a second-place finish in the league.

“I’ve never had any issues with anybody at the club,” Sturridge said. “I’ve never had any issues with the manager, with the staff. I love it here. I love the players, but sometimes you have to do something for you.

“It’s the same as, I don’t know, if you’ve been with a woman for a long time, and then you’re like, ‘Man, I don’t feel like it’s working out anymore.’ But then you go away, like, ‘Me and my girl’s relationship was kind of sweet still. I might have to go back there.’ It’s kind of like that.

“Like I said, I’ve always loved the club. I’ve never changed. I don’t see myself going, but you never know what happens in the future.

“How I am now, I’m enjoying myself, and it’s a great vibe right now, so no complaints at all from me. I’m looking forward to trying to help the team be successful this season.”