Happy Sissoko doubts Gerrard will quit Anfield

By Mark Meadows

VINOVO, Italy (Reuters) - Juventus midfielder Mohamed Sissoko said on Monday he had no regrets about leaving Liverpool in January but did not expect Steven Gerrard to follow him to Italy.

The tough-tackling Mali international has been a success in his first few months at Juve having left Anfield for 11 million euros (8.7 million pounds) after finding first-team chances limited.

"I am very happy to be at one of the best clubs in the world -- Juventus. All the time I enjoy Juventus games and this is more important for me," Sissoko told Reuters at Juve's plush training ground outside Turin.

British and Italian media reports have said Serie A leaders Inter Milan are lining up a bid for Liverpool captain Gerrard but Sissoko doubts his former team mate would leave.

"Steven Gerrard for me is one of the best midfielders in the world. If Inter Milan want him it will be difficult because he has been at Liverpool since he was young, he is one of the best players for Liverpool," he said.

"We will see what happens in the next transfer window."

English teams have dominated the Champions League this term with Manchester United meeting Chelsea in the final on May 21. Last season's winners AC Milan lost to Arsenal in the last 16 with Inter falling to Liverpool.

Sissoko said Italian sides could fight back next season, especially with Juve in the Champions League qualifiers after two years out of Europe because of their match-fixing demotion.