Playing for Manchester City, Liverpool and then very briefly Watford, Albert Riera, currently without a club, has had a fairly nomadic career.
Most recently playing in Slovenia with FC Koper, the 35-year-old winger took some time out of his free schedule to talk to WebGirondins in France and cover his two year spell with the Ligue 1 club between 2003 and 2005, three years before his big move to Anfield.
Eventually breaching the topic of playing for the Reds, Riera couldn’t have been happier to talk about his experience at Liverpool, one he cherishes to this day.
He said: “As you said, it’s a big, big club. One that inspires sympathy all around the globe. For example, you can’t be a fan of Barca or Real at the same time, but you can support Liverpool and another club.
“I was very proud to wear those colours in one of the best generations, when we missed the title by two points. Regarding Gerrard, he was a super captain, who didn’t speak much but who acted. He set the example during training. An extraordinary guy.”
Describing the day he signed for Liverpool as ‘his best memory’ at the club, Riera also mentioned the 3-1 win over Manchester United in his first game, or the first time he heard You’ll Never Walk Alone at Anfield as unforgettable moments in his career.
He continued: “Champions League games, derbies against Everton, training in the rain. These are the details that mean you’re at the top level when you play in England. There’s professionalism everywhere, in every detail.”
During his time at Anfield, Riera played 56 games, scored five goals and picked up nine assists.
