Official: Liverpool Land Riera

Liverpool have officially completed the signing of winger Albert Riera from Espanyol on a four-year contract.

The 26-year-old, who has previously played in England for Manchester City on loan, has been purchased for an undisclosed fee and will wear the number 11 shirt at Anfield this season.

According to Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, the club were able to seal the deal despite a number of other Premier League sides expressing an interest in the player.

Benitez added that the left-sided Riera is the ideal player for his system and feels that settling back into England should not be a major issue for a man who can already speak the language.

"Riera has the qualities we were looking for," a pleased Benitez told the club’s official website.

"He is a left footer who normally plays on the left wing, he's good in the air, strong, powerful and a good crosser of the ball.

"He's the kind of player we have been talking about. He can beat players and get good deliveries into the area for our strikers. We've known about him for a long time, since he was at Mallorca and then through his career with Bordeaux, Manchester City and Espanyol.

"He can talk English and of course he knows the Premier League, which is a big bonus. Usually foreign players need time when they go to a new country, but Riera already knows the league and the style of football.

"He also had offers from other English clubs but he said no to them because he wanted to come and play for us. That means a lot to me because it shows the commitment he has to play for Liverpool."

Riera had reportedly been on the verge of sealing his move to Merseyside for the last week, although minor details prevented an earlier announcement. His arrival comes on the same day as full-back Steve Finnan moved in the opposite direction to Espanyol, in what was officially unconnected to the winger’s arrival at Anfield.

Chris Myson, Goal.com