標題: No Reds clan for Riera [打印本頁] 作者: puma8811 時間: 2008-10-28 09:55 PM 標題: No Reds clan for Riera
Albert Riera has insisted there are no clans within the Liverpool squad despite the large number of Spanish players at Anfield.
The left winger, impressive during the 1-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, has explained why he left Espanyol last summer.
Riera revealed he jumped at the chance of playing for The Reds, as he was desperate to make the step to a bigger club in order to win medals.
Espanyol asked for a lot of money for his transfer, as they are building a brand new stadium and need liquidity, but the midfielder is happy that the Anfield outfit found an agreement to secure his services on a four-year deal.
“Espanyol needed to sell a player but they were asking for a lot of money for me,” Riera told Don Ballon. “I understand £12 to £14 million is a lot of money, except for two English and two Spanish clubs.
“Liverpool finally made an offer after having been interested in me over the past few months. When I realised this was an opportunity I pushed for it because I wanted to play for a great club.
“I am very grateful to Espanyol and wish them the best, as they made big efforts to sign me when I was in France [in Bordeaux] as they paid £3.5 million to sign me.
“A player has to be in the right place at the suitable moment for him and it depends on many things. I could have stayed at Mallorca for many years but they needed to sell, and the same happened at Espanyol, where I was happy, but changes were needed.”
Riera claims The Reds’ Spanish players are not a clan and make massive efforts in order to adapt to their squad.
“And now I am the latest Spanish to have joined Liverpool. Being together there is a boost but we have to adapt and speak English and the manager is very keen on it.
“The English are very professional and they see the positives when you work hard. What defines Liverpool the best is the dressing room’s winning mentality.
“The Spanish players seeing each other at home after the games is something normal, but the coach insists a lot in order not to see smalls groups within his squad, in order to be a real team.”
Riera finally set his sights on ending The Reds' miserable trophy-less run in the top flight.
“They have not won the league for 18 years and I am aware of it,” he added. “I know it because the fans remind it to me all the time in the streets.
“But we are not going to give up on the Champions League, even if our start to the Premier League season as been great so far. It is too early though but the feeling is good.
“At the moment I am focused on the four year-deal I have signed with Liverpool and I am enjoying myself like a kid, but for sure one day I will return to the Spanish league.”
