Wednesday, 6th February, 2013
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has admitted he was taken by surprise by Victor Valdes’ decision to leave Barcelona, because it means an exit from the "best club in the world".
Valdes has opted not to extend his contract at the Camp Nou, which runs until the summer of 2014.
This has put Barcelona on the lookout for a replacement and Reina, who was developed by the Spanish giants before leaving to join Villarreal in 2002, has been suggested as a potential option.
That is something Reina is keen to play down, explaining that when he puts pen to paper to a contract he intends to see it through.
"When I sign a contract, then I see that out. My contract runs until 2016", he was quoted as saying by Voetbal Primeur.
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And the Spaniard admits it came as a shock to learn that Valdes is leaving the Camp Nou.
"That surprised me", admitted Reina, "because Victor plays for the best club in the world.
"I know, because I’m from Barcelona, developed as a footballer and a man."
Reina’s father has pushed the case for his son succeeding Valdes’ recently, explaining that he knows a return to the Camp Nou would delight the Liverpool custodian.
He has also been backed to return by former Barcelona goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek, who sees the 30-year-old as a perfect fit.
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