Republic of Ireland international Steve Staunton holds no grudge against Liverpool even though he has been frozen out at the club since Gerrard Houllier took sole charge of team affairs.

Frenchman Houllier never fancied Stan and the Irishman knew from the outset that he should find another club - but Staunton instead persevered in trying to force his way into the manager's thoughts.

He has been linked with a number of teams over the last couple of months but all were frightened off because Liverpool were looking for a fee for him. This has changed and now Stan can get back to playing football after the Anfield club announced that he could leave for free.

"They have agreed to let me go for nothing - it is an amicable agreement between myself and the club," confirmed Staunton. "Liverpool have been very good to me over the years and my two spells at Anfield.

"I have loved all those years at Anfield and am grateful to the club for all the great days I had with them. There are no hard feelings on either side and I wish them the best in the future."