Pepe Reina is delighted to have returned to Villarreal.
The veteran goalkeeper, now 39, has signed for Villarreal on a one-year contract after leaving Lazio.
Former Liverpool keeper Reina returns after 17 years away from La Ceramica. He said: “Very happy. 17 years ago I spoke with Llaneza and asked him to be able to leave to be able to start a family, grow as footballers… but with the promise of being able to return one day… and that’s how I’ve achieved it.
“I return with the family I wanted to form, with five children, and with the illusion of a child. Couldn’t have had a better finish. I’m going to retire here. I don’t know if it will be one or two years. I am excited to contribute my grain of sand so that this club continues to grow in Spain and in Europe.
“It is the second team that I have watched the most after mine. In addition to emotion, I have feeling with this club. I have followed them a lot, in the league the physical and mental work of getting so far in the Champions League wore them out. Now, to try that all the competitions finish better than this year. There are foundations and a base to continue growing.”
On battling Geronimo Rulli for the No1 spot, Reina said: “It will be a very healthy competition. With a very healthy requirement that will be the one that marks Gero’s state of form, because he starts as a starter. By hierarchy it was his turn to wear the number ‘1’ and he has decided to give it to me.
“I take this opportunity to thank him. He will have me available for whatever he needs. I have come to offer myself in the five senses. And I am very excited that it will go better than last year.”
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