Liverpool winger Albert Riera has admitted that a move to the Russian Premier League presents itself as an "interesting option", while hoping that a deal is concluded before the turn of the week.
The Spaniard fell afoul of Reds boss Rafael Benitez after calling the Merseyside club a "sinking ship" while alluding to the manager as one who lives in an ivory tower with little or no contact with his charges.
The midfielder was subsequently frozen out of the squad, while reports pointed towards a fine owing to the derogatory comments that culminated in an alleged bust-up with a reserve player.
Presently, the former Espanyol player insists that he is keen on securing a move to Russia in the hope that regular football will earn him a ticket to the World Cup with his national side.
"Russia presents a very interesting option for me," Riera is quoted as saying in Russian newspaper Sport Express.
"For one, it's the only prestigious league in Europe where the transfer window is open.
"And secondly, if I play there regularly, I may be able to earn my ticket to the World Cup in South Africa."
The 27-year-old hopes that the deal will be chiselled out before the end of the week.
"I hope that the question of my transfer will be resolved by this week," he said.
It was initially believed that CSKA Moscow was to be the destination, with their arch-rivals Spartak also in the chase to secure the player's signature. But the former have since ruled themselves out of the race.
"The 'Army Club' are surprised to learn [from the media] that they are [a] candidate for the signing of Liverpool's Spanish midfielder Albert Riera," reads a statement from CSKA.
"We know of similar cases where CSKA is additionally recommended for a football player seeking a new place of work.
"However, to those who are trying to bring extra interest to the player, we can give advice: to specify an interested party, we would say Barcelona or Manchester United.
"By the way, this will be more interesting to lovers of rumours."
It is consequently believed that Spartak will sign Riera on loan for the season.
The Spaniard fell afoul of Reds boss Rafael Benitez after calling the Merseyside club a "sinking ship" while alluding to the manager as one who lives in an ivory tower with little or no contact with his charges.
The midfielder was subsequently frozen out of the squad, while reports pointed towards a fine owing to the derogatory comments that culminated in an alleged bust-up with a reserve player.
Presently, the former Espanyol player insists that he is keen on securing a move to Russia in the hope that regular football will earn him a ticket to the World Cup with his national side.
"Russia presents a very interesting option for me," Riera is quoted as saying in Russian newspaper Sport Express.
"For one, it's the only prestigious league in Europe where the transfer window is open.
"And secondly, if I play there regularly, I may be able to earn my ticket to the World Cup in South Africa."
The 27-year-old hopes that the deal will be chiselled out before the end of the week.
"I hope that the question of my transfer will be resolved by this week," he said.
It was initially believed that CSKA Moscow was to be the destination, with their arch-rivals Spartak also in the chase to secure the player's signature. But the former have since ruled themselves out of the race.
"The 'Army Club' are surprised to learn [from the media] that they are [a] candidate for the signing of Liverpool's Spanish midfielder Albert Riera," reads a statement from CSKA.
"We know of similar cases where CSKA is additionally recommended for a football player seeking a new place of work.
"However, to those who are trying to bring extra interest to the player, we can give advice: to specify an interested party, we would say Barcelona or Manchester United.
"By the way, this will be more interesting to lovers of rumours."
It is consequently believed that Spartak will sign Riera on loan for the season.
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