Reina rules out Spain switch

Reds keeper hopeful of title challenge

By Lucas Brown   Last updated: 19th September 2008

Reina rules out Spain switch

Reina: Happy at Anfield

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Jose Reina has dismissed rumours that he could return to play in Spain next summer and believes that this could finally be the year when Liverpool close the gap at the top of the table.

The 26-year-old keeper has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid to follow in his father's footsteps, but he has now said that he cannot see that happening soon.

Reina has established himself as Liverpool's No.1 since arriving from Villarreal in the summer of 2005 and he says he is happy at Anfield.

"I see myself continuing outside of Spain. You never know, but I would like to spend a few more years in England. The plan is to stay here," Reina told Marca.

Liverpool need to continue improving, according to Reina, but he does believe that they showed what they are capable of during last weekend's victory over Manchester United.

"The team has not played great football, apart from the game last weekend against Manchester United, but we are on the right path. We are playing with comfort and that has allowed us to push up to the near the top," he continued.

"People are saying it could be our season. The Premier League is always difficult as their are plenty of other teams, like Chelsea and Manchester United, that can do well. We have to reduce the difference at the top that has been there in the past few years."

Praise

Albert Riera has already shown that he could become a favourite at Anfield and Reina believes that the former Mallorca and Espanyol wideman will prove himself to be a huge asset.

"He is adapting very quickly. Albert is a player that is going to do very well in this team and he has shown that in the two games that he has played so far. He will become an important player for us," added Reina.

Reina and Fernando Torres are close friends on Merseyside, but the custodian refuses to confess whether he was responsible for helping the striker to settle in so quickly.

"He would be the one to have to say that. We certainly do spend a lot of time together. We live 50 metres apart and we are always with each other. We live away from home and try help each other a lot," he stated.

Finally, Reina looked ahead to the Reds' Champions League encounter with Atletico Madrid and said that they will not be underestimating the team where his father played in the 1970's.

"We knew that Atletico would be a team that could qualify. They have a compact and complete side and they will be very strong," concluded Reina