Rafa: No Heinze grudge
24 Aug 2007 - 08:02:44
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez claims he understands Gabriel Heinze's decision to join Real Madrid after admitting the Manchester United defender had no option but to leave England.
Benitez hit out at the Premier League and United earlier in the week after the Argentina international was prevented from joining the Reds by an arbitration panel.
The 29-year-old full-back was believed to be planning to appeal the decision to block his move to Anfield when he performed a dramatic U-turn and signed for Real Madrid on a four-year contract.
"I am really disappointed with the situation because we had 100 per cent confidence he would be arriving at Liverpool," revealed Benitez.
"But after the hearing it was impossible for him to remain here. He was so disappointed he knew he would have to go to another country.
"The verdict was a surprise for everyone - our lawyers, the player and his agent. I could not believe it."
Meanwhile, Benitez has revealed he is considering launching a bid for another defender after seeing his protracted attempts to land Heinze ultimately prove fruitless.
"We need to analyse the situation and look at the squad. It is not easy to find a player of Heinze's quality," he added.
"However for the moment we have to concentrate on the game at Sunderland (on Saturday). That is the important thing."