AS he sat watching Liverpool produce a car-crash of a performance on Wednesday, Maxi Rodriguez would have been forgiven for wondering what on earth he had let himself in for.

The Argentina international received a warm ovation when unveiled to the Anfield crowd before kick-off after completing his free transfer arrival from Atletico Madrid.

A dismal 2-1 defeat later, however, and few minds were concentrated on the possible impact of the 29-year-old winger.

But despite Liverpool’s troubles, Rodriguez admits he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play for what he regards as a “great club”.

“If you decide to come to a club you don’t look at recent form and whether results are going for or against you,” says the Argentine, who is in the squad for today’s visit to Stoke City.

“They are a great club with great tradition and you don’t change your mind on something like that because of a short period of results.

“There were three or four other clubs in England and a couple of clubs in Italy interest. But as soon as I heard Liverpool’s name mentioned, there was no doubt about it. Come what may, I was coming to Liverpool.”

Rodriguez will link up with former Atletico team-mate Fernando Torres and international colleague Javier Mascherano.

And having declared the Liverpool dressing room remains in good heart, the winger is relishing the chance to help salvage their campaign.

“I’ve been at clubs when they’ve had bad runs and gone through difficult times, so it’s nothing new,” says Rodriguez. “I like big challenges. It’s almost something that focuses your mind even more.