Departing Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has written an open letter to the clubs fans after his loan move to Napoli.
The Spaniard will spend the 2013/14 season with the Italian club, under former Reds boss Rafael Benitez, following the Anfield arrival of Simon Mignolet from Sunderland but Reina admits he was surprised to be sent away from a club he has served so well.
"It is only natural that I would be disappointed that the Liverpool management agreed to loan me to Napoli without telling me first," the letter on Reina's official website read.
"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.
"When it didn't come I was happy to fight for my place so I was surprised Liverpool decided it was in the club's interests to send me to Napoli instead.
"The club, the staff, the city, the people and the supporters have played a massive part in my life. Liverpool is special in a way that only those who are lucky enough to experience the club close up can understand. It has given me memories that will live with me for ever."
