Former Liverpool and Manchester City winger Albert Riera has announced his retirement from football. The Spaniard spent two years with the Reds after signing from Espanyol in the summer of 2008 and scored 5 goals in his 56 appearances.
Riera joined Manchester City on loan from Espanyol in 2006 – playing 19 times and scoring once. He then joined Rafael Benitez’s forces at Anfield in a £8million deal in 2008.
Reira – who could also play as a left-back – made his debut in a 2-1 victory over Manchester United two weeks after signing, and bagged his first goal for the Reds five days later in a victory over Wigan Athletic. The former Udinese man spent three seasons of his 17-year career in England and will be best remembered for his time at Anfield.
The Spanish winger didn’t win any silverware in English football but was a part of the Liverpool side that came very close to winning the Premier League in 2009.
Announcing his retirement, he tweeted:
“Right time to say BYE as a player. Thanks to the clubs and supporters that have been along this way with me from 2001 till today.
“Proud and thankful for the way we have been together during 17 years. Now time to look forward and impatient for my new step! #thanks #football”
Liverpool paid a fitting tribute to Reira by compiling some of the goals he scored during his three years at Anfield.
The club tweeted: “All the best in your retirement @11RIERA11! ”
Our fans also reacted in a fantastic manner and here we bring you the best of tweets.
One of my favourite players, first name I had on the back of a shirt I don’t know why either, but sad to see him retire YNWA
— Dan (@AbsoluteGeezer) January 24, 2018
Me too! I thought he was pretty good in his first year then Rafa just decided he didn’t rate him, I think he’d of done better if he was given longer
— Matt (@Matt_Campion3) January 24, 2018
Good player, much better than Dirk Kuyt at that time, but couldnt displace the latter in the 1st 11.
— Ini Omen (@khairilpssbp) January 24, 2018
Good luck lad
— Kieran McGreevy (@KieranMcGreevy2) January 24, 2018
An integral part of the squad in the 08/09 season, underrated baller
— ‘’’ (@molfc710) January 24, 2018
He should never have been allowed to leave. Rafa didn’t make many mistakes but falling out with AR was one of them.
— Jon (@Wouldbescouse) January 24, 2018
Had him on back of me shirt laa
— Jack Campbell (@JackCam74) January 24, 2018
What a fucking goal…! Unforgettable! Chapeau!
— NickHardyYNWA (@nickhardy777) January 24, 2018
Happy retirement life @11RIERA11 YNWA
— Harish Bhor (@harishlp) January 24, 2018
