• Premier League

Bitter Glen Johnson refuses to beg for Liverpool deal

Glen Johnson feels unwanted by Liverpool but says he won't beg for a new contract as he prepares to become a free agent.

The defender's deal expires next summer and he has not been offered an extension by the club despite talk of Roma being interested in signing him.

Captain Steven Gerrard is also out of contract in the summer, but Liverpool have remained in talks with his representatives. Their approach to Johnson's situation has been less encouraging and the right-back said he will not resort to grovelling.

Glen Johnson receives treatment after scoring Liverpool's winner against Stoke © Getty Images

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He said: "There were minor talks at the end of last season but nothing I could accept or reject. I want to play for a club that wants me. I am not going to go crawling to anybody. The club know where I am and they know the situation."

Johnson, who joined from Portsmouth in 2009 and signed a new deal in 2011, hinted he is resigning himself to leaving Anfield.

"I have enjoyed the majority of the six years; I've had some good times and some bad times but if I haven't got a contract then I can't stay," he added.

"Of course it plays on your mind but that is when you have to be professional and try to do a job for your team and I respect my team-mates and I want to put in a performance for them."

Johnson, 30, will be allowed to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs and discuss a move abroad from January 1.

He added: "It is not my business to talk to other clubs at the moment. I want to play my football, keep winning for Liverpool and I want to respect my contract and that is what I am willing to do."

Johnson scored his first goal in two years on Saturday as Liverpool beat Stoke 1-0 to end their winless run.

"You enjoy winning games, scoring goals and being involved in assists - they are the great parts of football so on a personal level I am very happy," he said.

Liverpool sit 11th in the Premier League but Johnson believes they can still finish in the top four.

"The quality is not in doubt, it is about confidence and trying to put a run of performances together," he said. "The backroom staff and the playing staff are fighting for the same cause and the objective is still the same but in football you go through some sticky patches."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd