Liverpool right-back Steve Finnan has left the club for Espanyol, signing a two-year deal with the Spanish club.

Finnan was signed by former manager Gerard Houllier in 2003, and leaves after losing his first-team place over the last year, serving 216 games for the Reds.

The signing of full-back Philipp Degan this summer also has added pressure to Finnan challenging for a first-team place.

Finnan goes in the opposite direction of new Liverpool signing, left-winger Albert Riera, who signed in at Anfield yesterday.

Finnan’s move is thought to be separate to the one that see Riera sign for £8million, with the Republic of Ireland international switching for an undisclosed fee.

This Is Anfield would like to thank Steve for his fantastic service to the club since signing from Fulham in 2003, and wishes him the best of luck with the rest of his career and time in Spain. Thanks, Steve.