A former Liverpool favourite has announced he will be retiring from football this weekend to bring an end to a career spanning a quarter of a century.
Having come through Barcelona’s academy and made his debut for the club in 2000, the player joined Villarreal in 2002 before moving on to Liverpool three years later.
He would go on to spend eight years at Liverpool, making 394 appearances across all competitions.
Now, goalkeeper Pepe Reina, 42, who currently plays for Serie A side Como under Cesc Fabregas, has confirmed he will hang up his gloves following Friday’s final match of the season against Inter Milan.
‘A very beautiful career is coming to an end, a very full life,’ Reina told Movistar+. ‘I feel very fortunate for what I’ve experienced.
‘It’s been many years… I didn’t expect it, but I think the time has come and I feel like bringing it to a close here.’
Pepe Reina (top left) will retire from football after Como play their final match on Friday
Reina made three saves in Liverpool’s dramatic 2006 FA Cup final penalty shootout win over West Ham
Reina could still have a say in the Serie A title race, with Como facing Inter Milan this weekend
Reina could still have a part to play in the Serie A title race, with Inter one point behind leaders Napoli heading into the last game.
The Spanish shot-stopper will always be remembered fondly by Liverpool fans for his heroics in two penalty shootouts that helped the club win major silverware.
He saved three spot-kicks in Liverpool’s dramatic 2006 FA Cup final win over West Ham, and was also in goal when the Reds overcame Cardiff City on penalties in the 2012 League Cup final.
Reina won 36 international caps for Spain, and was part of the squads that won two European Championships in 2008 and 2012, either side of the World Cup in 2010.
The majority of his prime years came at Liverpool, but he also played for Italian giants Napoli, AC Milan and Lazio, plus enjoyed brief spells at Bayern Munich and Aston Villa.
After calling time on his playing career, Reina will move into coaching. He is set to return to his homeland to take charge of Villarreal’s Under-19s next season.