4 Jun 2011 07:40:00
Pepe Reina, Spain (Getty Images)
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EXCLUSIVE
By Alex Labidou
Spanish international and Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina insists that there is no bad blood between him and Chelsea striker Fernando Torres, despite his fellow countryman’s decision to leave Liverpool.
“It’s already been discussed between us, we’ve already talked about it,” Reina said exclusively to Goal.com. “I wish him the best, he wishes me the best. Our relationship is the same that it was when we played with each other.”
He added, “We both want to see each other succeed.”
However, while Reina doesn’t feel any acrimony towards his fellow Spaniard, he has a hunch that Liverpool will be better than Chelsea in 2011-12.
“I certainly hope so,” he said. “We’ve positioned ourselves to do well next season.”
Under the new American ownership led by John W. Henry and Tom Werner and the hiring of Kenny Daglish, Liverpool have seen their fortunes change for the better, rising from near the drop zone to finish in sixth place in the Premier League in 2010-11.
Reina was one of the players rumoured to be considering an exit from the Merseyside club before that turn-around. The 29-year-old’s new confidence in Liverpool reflects credit on their new owners and manager, and with more signings expected he should continue to be in good spirits.
But with club football now enjoying a summer break, Reina is focused on his career with Spain.
The world champions has a chance to avenge their 2009 Confederations Cup 2-0 defeat against the United States, and while Reina didn’t play in that match, he believes that winning the World Cup has made most of the Spanish squad relaxed about the loss two years ago, and ready to show their ability in front of American fans.
“For us, it’s not about payback, we won the World Cup,” said Reina. “It’s good to get out there and play in front of the fans. It’s all about enjoying ourselves and showing what we can do.”