Spaniard happy after debut against Arsenal in the Emirates Cup.
Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina has revealed he is excited by the prospect of playing in the Champions League with his new club.
The Spanish stopper sealed his season-long loan move from Liverpool earlier this week, and made his debut for the club in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Emirates Cup on Saturday.
The 30-year-old impressed overall and even saved a Lukas Podolski penalty as the Arsenal supporters reserved special treatment for him every time he touched the ball.
Nevertheless, he was pleased with how his first appearance for the Partenopei went, and revealed his excitement about the season ahead.
“I am happy for the penalty save, but above all happy for the team and a good result,” Reina told the official Napoli website as reported by Football Italia.
“It was an intense and difficult match. We made a good impression in a very fiery atmosphere.”
Reina had initially been critical of the way Liverpool handled his departure, but moved to clarify his comments later on to suggest that he was not angry with his former employers.
However, the opportunity to move to Naples has allowed to be reunited with former boss Rafa Benitez, and he is thrilled to be working under the Spaniard again and is looking forward to what will hopefully be a successful campaign.
“I have found a squad that works well. This is an exceptional group led very well by Rafa Benitez. I am happy to be back working with Benitez, to be part of an ambitious project and to play in the Champions League.”
Having finished second in Serie A last season, Napoli are automatically through to the group stages of Europe’s premier competition, and will also be hoping to go one better domestically in the year ahead.
COMMENTS