Reds full-back Alvaro Arbeloa has passed a medical ahead of a £3.5m move to Real Madrid.
The Spanish international has been keen to return to La Liga and the arrival of Glen Johnson from Portsmouth has lead him to believe his first team opportunities will be limited this season. With only one year remaining on his contract Liverpool have been forced to accept a fee less than the player’s market worth.
Arbeloa, who started his career at Real, joined Liverpool from Deportivo La Coruna in January 2007 for a £2.6m and is capable of playing anywhere across the back four. He made his debut as a left-back in the Nou Camp, silencing Lionel Messi, before establishing himself as first-choice right back last season following the departure of Steve Finnan.
He has signed a five-year deal at the Bernabeu, becoming their seventh signing of the summer thus far. A Real Madrid medical chief confirmed he passed the medical and said “He (Arbeloa) is delighted to be able to play for Real Madrid, which has been his lifelong dream. He’s looking forward to joining his team-mates.”
A somewhat bizarre statement you might think considering he has previously played for Real – albeit only twice before he signed for Depor in 2006.
Arbeloa had somewhat of a reputation among fans for his sometimes hilarious goal celebrations, jumping on top, and often over, the players in a huddle!
Everyone here at This Is Anfield wishes him all the best for his future career.
Alvaro Arbeloa Liverpool Career Stats
Signed: 31st January, 2007 (£2.6m)
Debut: (as sub) v Newcastle, 10th Feb, 2007
Full debut: v Barcelona, 21st Feb, 2007
First goal: v Reading, 7th April, 2007
Sold: 29th July, 2009 (£3.5m reported)
Appearances
League: 63 (3 sub) 2 goals
FA Cup: 3
League Cup: 3
Europe: 24 (2 sub)
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