Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Finnan: Anfield Exit 'Out Of The Blue'

Republic Of Ireland defender Steve Finnan has admitted that his transfer from Liverpool to Espanyol took him by surprise.

One of the more eye-catching transfers of this season's deadline day saw Irish international Steve Finnan join La Liga stalwarts Espanyol on a two-year deal.

The name of Finnan was added to the transfer that saw Albert Riera move in the opposite direction, after Finnan lost his place in the Liverpool first team.

The 32-year-old had not featured for Liverpool in any competition this season prior to his move, with Rafa Benitez freezing him out of regular action.

Finnan insists that he didn't agitate for a move away from the English giants, and that his first choice was to remain at the club.

The right-back is currently in Germany preparing for Ireland's World Cup qualifier in Montenegro this coming Wednesday and will link-up with his Espanyol team-mates upon his return from international duty.

He spoke to the Liverpool Post, and said: "It [Liverpool exit] was totally out of the blue. It's exciting to be going to a great club in Spain but I didn't want to leave. But it was obvious that I wasn't going to get a game by staying so I didn't really have much choice."

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