Reina hints at Liverpool future

Reina arrived at Anfield from Villareal in a £6m deal in 2005

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has hinted that his long-term future lies at Anfield.

The Reds, who will secure a spot in next season’s Europa League if they beat Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, handed manager Kenny Dalglish a three-year contract on Thursday.

“I can assure you that I’m looking forward to next season,” said 28-year-old Spain international Reina.

“Kenny signing a new contract has been a lift.”

Dalglish was put in caretaker charge at Anfield in January following the departure of Roy Hodgson.

The 60-year-old Scot has taken the Reds from 12th to fifth in the Premier League table.

“We play well because we’re living in beautiful days,” continued Reina.

“We have to be optimistic and hopefully we will celebrate the title soon.”

Speculation that Reina, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal, may leave Liverpool has been fuelled by the departures of fellow Spaniards Rafa Benitez and Fernando Torres.

But director of football Damien Comolli added: “He came to see me a few weeks ago and said ‘what are the plans for the future because I want to be here long term’.”