Fernando Morientes signs up for Carles Puyol's Spain squad at Star Sixes
Tuesday 5 November 2019 13:26, UK
Former Liverpool forward Fernando Morientes is relishing a return to England and a reunion with Steven Gerrard after signing up for this summer's Star Sixes in London.
Morientes, who spent 18 months at Anfield after joining from Real Madrid in 2005, is the latest recruit to Carles Puyol's Spain line-up for the inaugural international six-a-side football tournament at The O2 from July 13-16.
The three-time Champions League winner, who will play alongside the likes of Gaizka Mendieta and Luis Garcia, says he can't wait to link up with old friends - and take on former Reds team-mate Gerrard.
"I'm very happy to be playing at Star Sixes," said the 41-year-old ex-Monaco, Valencia and Marseille forward. "It is a great idea to create a tournament of former players and it will be an opportunity for the fans to remember the way they played.
"It's very special for me. I'm sure I have a friend in almost every team. It will be a pleasure to face and meet again other great names in the other teams.
"Star Sixes will be an amazing experience and the fact that it is in London is even better because that's a place that constantly breathes football and the fans are passionate."
Spain face England on the tournament's opening night and Morientes was full of praise for old colleague Gerrard, who will captain an England side featuring Michael Owen, Rio Ferdinand, Emile Heskey and David James.
"He is incredible, one of the best players I've played with," said Morientes, who retired from professional football in 2010 after helping Marseille win the French title but made a brief return two years ago with Spanish regional outfit Santa Ana.
"He is a player with strength, extraordinary quality, great medium and long-range passing. He is one of the most complete players on the football scene."
