EXCLUSIVE: Real Madrid Signing Alvaro Arbeloa Thanks Liverpool & Describes Joy At Beating Barcelona

On the verge of a move back to his hometown club, the departing Red explained how he plans to fit back in at the Bernabeu…

Alvaro Arbeloa (PA)

Alvaro Arbeloa is looking forward to restarting his career with Real Madrid, and is already thinking about beating Barcelona – again.
During his near two-year spell with Liverpool, he helped the Reds secure huge victories against the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Inter.
However, it’s Liverpool’s famous win over Barcelona in the Champions League back in 2007 that will be the night he will always savour.
“The Barcelona match was my first start for Liverpool,” Arbeloa told Goal.com.
“The match was also my first European game for Liverpool. Barcelona were the holders at the time and we came from behind to beat them 2-1. That was so special, I cannot describe how I felt.
“You have to remember that I used to play for Madrid before I came to Liverpool, so it meant a lot to me.”
The versatile defender made just two senior appearances for los Merengues after coming through the youth system, before leaving for Deportivo.
He admitted that heading back home and straight into the first team may not be the smoothest of transitions. “At the beginning it may be a little strange,” he said.
“It would be normal for many players to feel a bit strange if they are transferred back to a club they have played for already. But for me, playing for Real Madrid is natural because I spent five years here and learnt a lot."
The 26-year-old’s ability to play with distinction across the back line has left many in wonder of how he will fit into the team. There is a belief he is not enough of a Galactico to be in the starting XI, while others insist he will, despite being right-footed, be the starting left-back.
The man himself is not concerned either way. He added, “I want to just focus on my game and I am not thinking about anything else. I just want to concentrate on working hard, training hard and getting into the team.
“Madrid have a very good squad of players and are capable of defeating any team. I just want to play anywhere and win many titles here."
Arbeloa also had some kind words for his former employers, insisting Liverpool’s history and fans were and are "inspirational".
“I loved playing at Anfield," he insisted. "No opponents like to play in front of the Liverpool supporters. I played in some very big games and the crowd always gets behind the team.
"Liverpool are a club with great fans and inspirational history. The team also has a lot of belief."

Mohammed Bhana, Goal.com