According to the Daily Mail, Di Matteo is keen to keep the England international at Stamford Bridge ? ending any hope of Liverpool signing the striker on loan.
Sturridge, 23, has attracted major interest from Liverpool in recent months ? along with an apparent refusal to sign an extension on his contract, it seemed that Liverpool were going to get their man.
Things were looking gloom for Daniel, who has played second string behind main man Fernando Torres this season. However, Sturridge was given a chance to shine in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup against Manchester United.
Although Sturridge hardly played well enough to convince his boss to give him the extension ?he scored a goal in extra time to cement Chelsea's place in the next round.
After the game Di Matteo said:
'He's out striker and as far as im concered hes part of this team.'
Sturridge too was questioned about speculation of him leaving Chelsea this winter ? and he told reporters:
?I'm delighted I scored but I know I need to get sharper.
I'm really glad the manager gave me the chance up front today, that's all I've wanted throughout my Chelsea career.
I'm really happy that he's put faith in me tonight and hopefully he'll do it again.?
It seems that Sturridge is finally kicking on this season at Chelsea ? and with Roberto Di Matteo convinced that Sturridge is part of his plans, Liverpool may have to look else where to sort out their goal scoring conundrum.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG