Over the last couple of days Liverpool ‘keeper Pepe Reina’s move to Bayern Munich has been chugging along at a typically efficient German pace and today it’s met it’s logical conclusion with the Bavarian giants confirming that a three year deal for the Spanish shot-stopper.
“I’m delighted to be coming to one of the world’s biggest clubs,” the 31-year old said upon successfully completing a medical in Munich yesterday. Following a loan spell with Napoli last season, Reina’s future looked wholly uncertain after the Italian outfit refused to meet his asking price. It’s believed that former Reds boss Rafa Benitez was looking to pressure Liverpool to release the player from his existing contract, but interest from Bayern Munich scuppered that play mighty quick.
As back-up to Manuel Neur, he’s been handed the number 23 jersey and will be presented officially on Saturday’s Allianz FC Bayern Team Presentation. “Pep wanted a keeper like Manuel Neuer who’s capable of joining in the build-up play,” said Bayern supremo Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. “You can never take for granted finding a man with his experience and quality who’s prepared to accept the number two position.”
After spending the better part of ten years on Merseyside, the Spaniard was pushed out of the number one spot following the signing of Simon Mignolet from Sunderland. What followed was a tit-for-tat war of words between himself and Reds boss Brendan Rodgers throughout the year as the Northern Irishman confirmed that the veteran ‘keeper had played his last match for the Anfield outfit.
Despite the spat between player and boss, Reina remains a popular figure at Liverpool and his departure has been met with a number of tributes to the Spaniard. It goes without saying that we wish Pepe and his family all the best on their new adventure.
