Kop favourite Fowler to leave Liverpool

LONDON, May 11 (Reuters) Anfield favourite Robbie Fowler will not be at Liverpool next season after manager Rafa Benitez decided not to offer the former England striker a new contract. Fowler, who returned to Liverpool for a second spell in January 2006 and signed a one-year contract last May, is surplus to requirements at the 32-year-old's hometown club.

Benitez, whose men face Charlton Athletic in Sunday's season-ender and AC Milan in the Champions League final on May 23, told their Web site today: ''We had a good meeting and he understood the situation.

''He's been a good signing for us and, of course, there are still two games left so his time at Liverpool is not over yet.'' ''He will play on Sunday and it's good the fans will have a chance to see him at Anfield before he leaves us.

''I hope Robbie can score a goal in front of The Kop. That would be a good way for him to say goodbye to the supporters.'' Nicknamed 'God' by his adoring fans, Fowler was a Liverpool trainee and played for them from 1992 to 2001, notably helping them lift a League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup treble in that final full season before leaving for Leeds United.

A prolific striker, he has scored 183 goals for the club.

Reuters AKD VV1816