I always look forward to games: Daniel Agger

Daniel Agger is a man of few words. He loves to do his talking on the pitch - salty with his tackles and all sweetness surging forward. His goal against QPR wrapped up an inconsistent first half of the season for Liverpool and the Great Dane is looking forward to a fruitful new year. The 5-0 win over Norwich is another step in the right direction.
"I never look back, especially when we are not winning," he tells TOI on phone from Liverpool."It was obviously frustrating losing games we probably shouldn't have but the only way is forward."
Agger, who was seething with agony after some embarrassing defeats, had urged his teammates to find motivation every week. The Viking' who hails from Rosenhoj has no problem finding the fire within.
"I always look forward to games no matter who we play. For me just being on the pitch is a big thing so it doesn't matter if it's Norwich or Man United."
Connecting with fans is also a pleasure for the popular star and that is why he is coming on Liverpool's twitter India site to share with a new group.
"Definitely, I'm excited. It would be fun to see what questions I get," he says, with a hint of a smile ... probably.
With social media inviting trouble for a lot of players and clubs restraining their stars from voicing opinions, the man with the mohican cut wonders what the fuss is all about.
"Footballers are members of society as well so we should be able to use it like everybody else. Of course, you have to think about what you are saying. I cannot speak for others but personally, I use it more for my foundation work."
Agger's foundation, which raises money mostly through auctions, has also helped Indian street children. "A small school in India asked for help and we arranged something for them," he said, urging people to visit the website.
Not just delivering off the pitch but also on it, his centre-back partnership with Martin Skrtel has been labelled as the best in the Premiership by none other than Reds great Alan Hansen. Likened to the 80s hero for his style of play, crafty Agger is enjoying his injury-free run with the more direct Slovakian.
"I think we are two different types of players and complement each other very well," the 28-year-old summed up in a sentence.
He is comfortable with the possession play that new manager Brendan Rodgers advocates but uncomfortable with the compliments. What really stands out is his love for the club. When he arrived from Brondby in 2006, as a new signing for Rafael Benitez, he reportedly said he must always remember swearing allegiance to the club, not a particular manager.
In 2012, when there was growing speculation that he would join the exodus of quality players from Anfield, he tattooed 'YNWA' on his knuckles and signed a long-term deal.
"Liverpool has been part of my life for so long. I love to be here, I love to go to work every day and as long as I am happy, I don't want to move," he said, after a thoughtful pause. He did rue the departure of the Mascheranos and the Alonsos. And when he made the well-publicised challenge welcoming red-turned-blue boy Fernando Torres to his old home, he won a round of applause from the Kop.
"I think it's more the media and the people around that say things like that. It wasn't deliberate. It's a football game and sometimes, things like that happen. But obviously, you never want to lose your best players. It's the same with every club in the world. It's the same for Liverpool. It hurts to see good players leave."
Currently, of course, he enjoys the duel with the enigmatic Luis Suarez on the Melwood pitch. "It's definitely better playing with him then against him. He is one of the best. He is the most tricky footballer I've played with. Every week, I play against quality players but if you ask me who is the most difficult striker I've dealt with, I would pick Luis."
'The lad is laden with controversy' was the precise phrase Man United manager Alex Ferguson used before the Old Trafford match but the Denmark captain has a few words too.
"I don't have to say anything for Luis. It all a part of him and I don't think it's too bad. Luis is Luis and he shouldn't change himself. He attracts a lot of attention because he's passionate, that's part of his game." Passion - now, Agger's got plenty of that.
TALK TO DANIEL
Agger will be answering your questions during his twitter takeover of @LFCIndia on Thursday (Jan 24) at 3.15pm IST - follow @LFCIndia and submit a question using the hashtag #AskAgger
FAST FACTS
Club: Liverpool
Position: Defender
Height: 6ft3
D.O.B. 12 Dec 1984
Born: Rosenhoj, Denmark
App/Goals: 192 (10)
App/Goals (Denmark): 53 (5)
Favourite player: "Denmark's Michael Laudrup. One of the best players of all time."
Most difficult striker he has faced: "Suarez (during training)."
Biggest influence in the dressing room: "We're a team. All of us have an influence."
Other sports liked to have played as a pro: "Boxing and tennis."
Tattoo artist: He has the Latin proverb "Mors Certa Hora Incerta" inked on his back. It means: "Death is certain but its hour is not."
Foundation: theaggerfoundation.org.