Enrique hopes to become a Kop hero like Carragher

Jose Enrique has outlined his ambition to follow in the footsteps of Jamie Carragher and establish himself as a Liverpool legend.

Carragher will call time on his career at the end of this season, having played over 700 times for the club and serving with distinction since making his first-team debut in 1996.

The 35-year-old has won the FA Cup twice, the League Cup on three occasions and was memorably part of the side that was victorious in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final against AC Milan.

Enrique, who joined Liverpool in 2011 from Newcastle, has paid tribute to Carragher’s attitude and application and stated his desire to emulate his exploits.

“One of the reasons I came here was Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and now Luis Suarez,” he told LFCTV.

“These are players that have amazing history at the club and I want to try to be like them in the future here.

“You have to respect the past he [Carragher] has here – he’s a player that has played 700 games.

“It’s not lucky, he deserves it.

“He has been an amazing player for Liverpool for many years and he’s an example for any player here.”

It is approaching two years since Enrique swapped Tyneside for Merseyside and the 27-year-old feels he developed as a player following his move to Liverpool.

“It was one of the best decisions in my life, in terms of football,” said the Spaniard.

“Of course, I already played for a good club at Newcastle, but you can’t compare one club with the other in terms of history.

“I’m really happy with my decision to be here; it’s my second season and I’m playing a lot, like last year. I’m improving a lot as a player and a person as well.”