Reds stopper happy at Anfield but hopes to see Bale join Real.
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has dismissed speculation he is set to rejoin Barcelona in the summer – but hopes Tottenham’s Gareth Bale will depart for Real Madrid.
Reina has been linked with a return to his boyhood club after the Catalans long-term number one Victor Valdes announced he will not be renewing his contract beyond its 2014 expiry.
The former Villareal star, 30, has been criticised by some sections of the Anfield support for his performances this season but the stopper, who has been with the Reds since 2005, insists he is going nowhere.
“Any talk of me joining Barca is just speculation. I’ve got a contract at Liverpool and I’m very happy here,” Reina told Radio Marca.
“I am sure Victor Valdes with have his reasons for deciding to leave Barcelona. I respect him. He’s my teammate and friend. He’ll be leaving with his head held high, as he’s given his all to Barcelona.”
Spurs winger Bale has also been linked with a move to Spain and Reina, who was beaten by one of the Welshman’s swerving free-kicks in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat at White Hart Lane in November, says he will not be sorry to see Bale go.
“If Real Madrid signs Bale, I’ll be delighted. He causes me a lot of problems,” he joked.
One player who Reina is not expecting to make a move to Spain is Reds teammate Luis Suarez.
“I can’t see Luis Suarez playing in La Liga. I think he’ll stay at Liverpool. He’s a great player,” he added.
“So are Bale and a few others in the Premier League.”
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