Reina Sr: Pepe Keen On Barca

22 January 2013

Liverpool goalkeeper, Pepe Reina, would love to go back to Barcelona, according to the player’s father.

Miguel Reina played goalkeeper for the Blaugrana in the 1960s and early 70s, while Reds stopper Pepe came through the ranks at Barca himself before joining Villarreal and then Liverpool.

Barca are in the market for a new shot-stopper, after it emerged that Victor Valdes will not be renewing his contract with the club.

Reina’s ball distribution is arguably a cut above the rest, and there is no doubt that he could fit into Barca’s style of play.

And his father says the Red’s ‘keeper would be “delighted” to return to his boyhood club if the opportunity arose.

"I am absolutely convinced that Pepe would be delighted to return to Barcelona," Reina senior told Spanish radio station, La Xarxa.

"I would love to see him back. What father would not like to see his son play for Barca? I did it, but it would be extraordinary again, if it happened."

"Pepe has shown the measure of the goalkeeper he is and I believe he would be up to the task," the former Barca ‘keeper added.

"Even more, he would be the ideal goalkeeper for Barcelona, without any doubt."

Reds fans would prefer Reina- who has a cult following- to stay at Anfield. However, they would not begrudge him a return to Barca.

Reina’s form has not been as good as it was during his peak, when Rafa Benitez made Liverpool the number one ranked team in Europe.

But the fact that he stuck it out at Anfield during the nightmare reign of Liverpool’s previous owners, when he could have moved to a number of clubs, means that if Reina goes to Barca he will go with Liverpool’s blessing.