I WAS FORCED OUT OF THE KOP- REINA

Pepe Reina has claimed that he was
forced out of Liverpool after agreeing to
join Napoli on a season-long loan.
With Brendan Rodgers electing to make
new signing Simon Mignolet his first-
choice goalkeeper ahead of the coming
campaign, the Spaniard signed a
temporary deal with the Serie A club
this month.
Reina had been widely expected to return to Barcelona ahead of the transfer window
opening, but a proposed switch failed to materialise after Victor Valdes opted to see
out the final year of his contract at Camp Nou.
And, though Reina has admitted that he would have liked to move to the Catalan
club, he insists he was happy to remain at Anfield when that offer did not arrive.
"If I have one regret, it is the way that I am leaving," he wrote in an open letter to
Liverpool's supporters.
"It is only natural that I would be disappointed that the Liverpool management agreed
to loan me to Napoli without telling me first, I thought that I deserved better than that
even though I understand that difficult decisions have to be taken in football.
"A lot has been made about me informing the club that if an offer came in from
Barcelona that I would have liked them to consider it. But I had also spoken to the
club about the possibility of extending my contract if the offer was not made.
"I told the manager that I wanted to play for Liverpool and that Barcelona would only
become an option for me if the opportunity arrived, like the rumours said it would, as
it would be a chance for me to go back home."
The 30-year-old also had kind words for the Merseyside club's loyal support,
insisting they are "unique" in world football.
"(Playing for Liverpool) has given me an understanding of what it is like to play for
the most wonderful English club," he added.
"I may not have won as many trophies and medals as I would have liked since joining
in 2005 but the experiences I have been a part of are as important as any silverware.
"I now understand how supporters can lift a team and inspire them to do special
things. I appreciate that there is something unique about Anfield and the atmosphere
it creates."
Reina has made 394 appearances for Liverpool since his arrival from Villarreal in 2005,
keeping 176 clean sheets in that time.