Liverpool FC

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Reds finally land Riera

01 Sep 2008 - 17:56:38

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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is looking forward to working with Albert Riera after the Spanish winger agreed a four-year deal at Anfield.

Benitez turned his attentions towards the 26-year-old Espanyol star after failing to land Aston Villa's England international midfielder Gareth Barry earlier this summer.

The former Valencia boss told the Reds' official website: "Riera has the qualities we were looking for.

"He's a left footer who normally plays on the left wing, he's good in the air, strong, powerful and a good crosser of the ball.

"He's the kind of player we have been talking about. He can beat players and get good deliveries into the area for our strikers.

"We've known about him for a long time, since he was at Mallorca and then through his career with Bordeaux, Manchester City and Espanyol.

"He can talk English and of course he knows the Premier League, which is a big bonus. Usually foreign players need time when they go to a new country, but Riera already knows the league and the style of football.

"He also had offers from other English clubs but he said no to them because he wanted to come and play for us. That means a lot to me because it shows the commitment he has to play for Liverpool."