Source: Liverpool_Echo
Liverpool FC career over for Fabio Aurelio
Fabio Aurelio and Rafael Benitez[LNB]RAFA BENITEZ today gave Fabio Aurelio a rousing send-off as he revealed the Brazilian's four-year Liverpool career has reached an end.[LNB]Aurelio's contract expires a week today but, as expected, it will not be renewed after an agreement on new terms could not be reached.[LNB]The Reds were happy to offer Aurelio, who has suffered with chronic fitness problems, a 'pay as you play' deal but the Brazilian wanted the security of a longer-term arrangement.[LNB]Clubs in Europe and Brazil have been monitoring Aurelio's situation and he is unlikely to be short of options when it comes to him taking the next step in his career this summer.[LNB]Benitez, though, has admitted Anfield will be a slightly poorer place without the 30-year-old, as he holds him in the highest regard as a person and a player.[LNB]'Fabio's contract is nearly finished and he is going to leave us,' said Benitez, who brought Aurelio to Anfield on a Bosman in June 2006 after previously working with him at Valencia.[LNB]'We had been trying to work something out with regards an extension but it was a pity that we couldn't. He has given us absolutely fantastic service.[LNB]'Fabio is a top professional, a great player and a really good lad. I mean every single word I say about him.[LNB]'It has been a pleasure having him here and we really will miss him'[LNB]Though much was made about the impact injuries to Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard had on Liverpool's campaign, Aurelio's prolonged absences were just as crucial.
