Alberto Moreno joins Villarreal as former Liverpool defender returns to Spain

Moreno heads back to Spain.
Getty Images
David Lynch10 July 2019

Former Liverpool defender Alberto Moreno has completed a free transfer to Villarreal.

The Spaniard's five-year stay at Anfield came to an end this summer when the contract he signed following a 2014 move to the club from Sevilla expired.

Moreno made 141 appearances for the Reds and scored three goals, including a memorable solo strike on his debut against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

However, his opportunities were restricted following the arrival of Jurgen Klopp, who opted to use James Milner at left-back in his first full season in charge before bringing in Andy Robertson from Hull City.

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The 27-year-old posted an emotional farewell on social media when his departure from Liverpool was initially confirmed earlier this month.

It read: "Life goes in cycles, and mine at my beloved Liverpool FC has drawn to an end.

"Upon reaching this point, I would like to thank the entire Liverpool family; my dear teammates, with whom I have shared five marvellous years and who I will forever think of as family, and, of course, the owners, directors, coaching staff, doctors, physios, kitmen, and each and every person at the club.

"Thank you for making me a better footballer and, above all, a better person; for helping me to fulfil one of my childhood dreams by winning the Champions League and, in doing so, become a small part of the history of this great club.

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"My gratitude too to the city, which embraced me as one of its own from day one and which will live on in my memory whenever I look at my son, Alberto Jr, a Liverpudlian himself.

"Finally, a very special thank you to the club’s superb fans, who always supported me. I wish you all at Liverpool FC the greatest successes. Wherever life takes me from here, I will always carry you in my heart and forever be a fan."

Klopp remains keen to bring a versatile defender capable of filling the void created by Moreno's departure from the club this summer.

The Reds lost out to Bournemouth in the chase sign promising youngster Lloyd Kelly from Bristol City last month having been unable to offer guarantees over regular football.

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