Riera ready for Espanyol

Albert Riera believes that his time at Man City has made him a stronger player.

Albert Riera believes that his time at Manchester City has made him a stronger player and will help him regain his place in the Espanyol team.

The former Mallorca and Bordeaux midfielder has returned to the Barcelona-based club after half a season on loan at Eastlands and is confident that he can impress the new coach.

After signing for Espanyol last summer, Riera made several appearances as a substitute, but was allowed to leave on loan in the January transfer window.

Miguel Angel Lotina preferred other players on the left of midfield, but he has now left and been replaced as coach by Ernesto Valverde, and Riera is hopeful that he can win a place in the side.

"My time in England was a very positive experience," he explained.

"I played a lot more over there than I did when I was here.

"But I am now 100 percent sure that I have a place now at Espanyol."

Juanfran was a regular on the left of midfield, but he was only on loan from Real Madrid and returned to the Bernabeu at the end of the season.