Liverpool winger Albert Riera, 27, is looking forward to the Merseyside derby with Everton on Saturday.
The Spaniard, signed by Rafael Benitez on transfer deadline day in the summer of 2008 for an £8 million fee, has featured in derbies against David Moyes' side before, but has revealed his excitement ahead of this weekend's showdown - an excitement sparked during the build-up by fans in the streets pressing for a win.
Riera, who is friends with the Toffees' midfield playmaker Mikel Arteta, will temporarily sideline that friendship with his compatriot.
He said to the club's official website: "For me Mikel has been their most important player for a long time and as my friend it's good to see him back.
"He needs time to get back to his best because he had a bad knee injury. We speak a lot and I have been talking with him this week about Saturday's game."
The winger began the derby earlier in the season from the bench, making a cameo appearance, but recalls the tie vividly.
"I remember the first goal from Mascherano, which touched a defender on the way into the net. After that it was close, but Dirk scored and we deserved to win after our second-half performance."
He continued: "You can feel how special this is for the supporters. When you are out on the streets and even in the supermarket people come up to you excited and talking about the game.
"I like the atmosphere of a derby," Riera said. "It's different to games I have played in before and we know our fans can help us win this game.
"The thing that makes this game different to other ones is the intensity of it and the atmosphere is special."
The Spaniard, signed by Rafael Benitez on transfer deadline day in the summer of 2008 for an £8 million fee, has featured in derbies against David Moyes' side before, but has revealed his excitement ahead of this weekend's showdown - an excitement sparked during the build-up by fans in the streets pressing for a win.
Riera, who is friends with the Toffees' midfield playmaker Mikel Arteta, will temporarily sideline that friendship with his compatriot.
He said to the club's official website: "For me Mikel has been their most important player for a long time and as my friend it's good to see him back.
"He needs time to get back to his best because he had a bad knee injury. We speak a lot and I have been talking with him this week about Saturday's game."
The winger began the derby earlier in the season from the bench, making a cameo appearance, but recalls the tie vividly.
"I remember the first goal from Mascherano, which touched a defender on the way into the net. After that it was close, but Dirk scored and we deserved to win after our second-half performance."
He continued: "You can feel how special this is for the supporters. When you are out on the streets and even in the supermarket people come up to you excited and talking about the game.
"I like the atmosphere of a derby," Riera said. "It's different to games I have played in before and we know our fans can help us win this game.
"The thing that makes this game different to other ones is the intensity of it and the atmosphere is special."
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