Liverpool legend John Aldridge was thrilled with the welcome he received from Real Sociedad fans upon is return to the club on the weekend.

Aldo was guest of honour as David Moyes' Real Sociedad defeated Espanyol.

"I have not been back to San Sebastian since my time at Real Sociedad and I was really looking forward to it," he told the Sunday World.

"It was difficult for me to leave Liverpool back in the day and the truth is I never wanted to go, but moving to Spain was a wonderful experience and I'm so glad it was part of my story.

"I scored plenty of goals for Real Sociedad and the people are just fantastic. The Basque people are very much like the Irish in their warmth and I will never forget the way they welcomed me into their city."