Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is delighted with his £8 million capture of Espanyol winger Albert Riera. "We were talking about wingers and he is winger with Premiership experience," he said. "That is a good thing because maybe he can settle down quickly.

"He was here (in England) three years ago but since then he has been capped by the national team and has the experience of playing in a UEFA Cup final."

He added: "He's the kind of player all managers like and the supporters will be very happy.

"He is good in the air, has a good delivery and a good left foot, he is also strong and he can be really good for us."

Riera, who was also a reported target for Liverpool's Merseyside rivals Everton, insisted Anfield was the only place for him.

"I am very happy to be here, it was my first choice," he confirmed.

"I only wanted to come here for a lot of reasons - the history of the club, the Champions League, the team-mates, the supporters.

"A lot of things make this the perfect club for me now."