On his first day at Melwood, new signing from Deportivo La Coruna Alvaro Arbeloa sits down for an exclusive chat with Liverpoolfc.tv.
How does it feel to sign for Liverpool Football Club?
It’s almost like I can’t believe what’s happened. It’s great and exciting to start my career at Liverpool and you could say that I’ve been really fortunate in my career as I’ve not only played for the great teams in Spain I’ve now signed for one of the great teams in England. In Spain, Liverpool is known as the biggest and best English club, it's history and reputation is highly regarded.
When did you first hear of the interest from Liverpool?
Last Friday. My agent called me and told me there was a chance, a possibility of coming to Liverpool.
Were you surprised?
Yes it was a big surprise because I’d only recently signed a long contract with Deportivo for five years. I was playing every game and I was seen very much in the manager’s plans so, yes, it came as a real surprise and shock.
Was leaving Spain a difficult decision to make?
It wasn’t no. It was something that I snapped up straight away. When you get the chance to come somewhere like Liverpool you don’t turn that down. I was so surprised but also grateful to Deportivo for giving me the chance to be here because they could have insisted on keeping me to my contract. However, they’ve had a few financial problems so it’s been beneficial for them that I could come here and so I do so with their blessing.
What has been the reaction of your family and friends to the move?
Everyone’s really happy but nobody could believe it, purely and simply because I never told anyone about it while it was going through. When I did finally tell them it was really sudden. Like right, I’m off.
Have you had any previous dealings with Rafa Benitez?
No, yesterday (Wednesday) was the first time I spoke to him.
Are you looking forward to working for him?
Yes. He’s a highly respected manager, famed for all his achievements. Valencia hadn’t won the league for 30 years and he made them champions, and also won the UEFA Cup. He’s very highly thought of in Spain and I'm very happy to be working with him.
What has Rafa told you about your role here?
We haven’t gone in to great depth because the time we spoke yesterday wasn’t long enough for him to explain what he expects of me football wise. I’m sure it’s something we’ll be talking about fairly soon though.
Obviously, Liverpool have a number of Spanish players already at the club, do you know any of them?
I don't know any of them personally yet but, obviously, I know who they are and all about them. There are so many great players at Liverpool, Spanish and non-Spanish, and it's going to be fantastic just to share a dressing room with them.
What do you know about fellow right-back Steve Finnan, the man you've been brought in as cover for?
I’ve seen a lot of Liverpool games over the last few seasons and noticed that he’s a great player. He’s got a good touch on the ball and he can also put a good cross over. His delivery is very, very good so I know that it’s going to be a tough battle to get in.
How would you describe your style of play and what qualities can you bring to this team?
It’s always difficult when you try to talk about yourself as a player. I’d just like people to see me play and make their own minds up. But for the purpose of the question I like to defend and keep things tight at the back but, when I have the opportunity, I do like to get forward as well, if the game allows it.
You spent a lot of time playing at Real Madrid as a youngster, what did you learn from your time there?
I had a great time there. You’ve got to enjoy yourself playing with the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Roberto Carlos, Figo, Michael Owen and Beckham. You learn a lot training with these people on a day to day basis. I think having been at a massive club like Real will help me in the fact that the challenge of coming here doesn’t fill me with any kind of trepidation or fear. You train on a daily basis with these kind of players so it’s like more of the same and I’m looking forward to it.
Do you have any role models within the game?
There's nobody as such that I look up to or imitate their style. I’ve not had any one idol other than the fact that you reflect on all the greats and try taking tips on board.
I know you’ve just arrived but what are your first impressions of Liverpool, the club?
Everything is what I imagined it to be and more. It’s all positive. I think it’s the facilities that hit you in the face as soon as you come here. Everything is done properly - correct and professional.
Are you looking forward to settling in the city and will your family be following you?
Liverpool looks a really interesting city and I can't wait to settle down here. Key to that will be learning the language and I'm hoping to do that as soon as possible. My girlfriend who lived with me in Spain has followed me over and I’m sure my family will be over to watch a few games once we’ve settled in.
Is the prospect of adapting to life in the Premiership one you are relishing?
I’m convinced that I can do a good job. I like to set myself high targets and goals in life and adapting to the different language, different culture, different way of life, as well as the differences on the field, of course, is going to be a big challenge. But I can't wait to get started.
Which team did you support growing up in Spain?
When I was really, really young I supported Atletico Madrid. Then I spent time on the books of Zaragoza so they became very close to my heart and obviously because I played for Real Madrid they then became my team. As a result, because of the rivalry in Spain, I have a real desire to see Liverpool beat Barca in the Champions League. One of the things I was thinking when I signed for Liverpool was that it’s good we drew Barca.
Have you played against Barcelona this season and how do you rate our chances against them?
Yes, we drew 1-1 at home and had a few chances to get the three points. I’ve got a lot of respect for Barcelona but no fear, you shouldn’t fear another team. They’ve got a great team with some great players but there's no reason for us to fear them.
There are a couple of games coming up before Barca, starting with the Merseyside derby on Saturday. If selected, are you ready to play?
Yes. As soon as Rafa says, I’m ready!
How does it feel to sign for Liverpool Football Club?
It’s almost like I can’t believe what’s happened. It’s great and exciting to start my career at Liverpool and you could say that I’ve been really fortunate in my career as I’ve not only played for the great teams in Spain I’ve now signed for one of the great teams in England. In Spain, Liverpool is known as the biggest and best English club, it's history and reputation is highly regarded.
When did you first hear of the interest from Liverpool?
Last Friday. My agent called me and told me there was a chance, a possibility of coming to Liverpool.
Were you surprised?
Yes it was a big surprise because I’d only recently signed a long contract with Deportivo for five years. I was playing every game and I was seen very much in the manager’s plans so, yes, it came as a real surprise and shock.
Was leaving Spain a difficult decision to make?
It wasn’t no. It was something that I snapped up straight away. When you get the chance to come somewhere like Liverpool you don’t turn that down. I was so surprised but also grateful to Deportivo for giving me the chance to be here because they could have insisted on keeping me to my contract. However, they’ve had a few financial problems so it’s been beneficial for them that I could come here and so I do so with their blessing.
What has been the reaction of your family and friends to the move?
Everyone’s really happy but nobody could believe it, purely and simply because I never told anyone about it while it was going through. When I did finally tell them it was really sudden. Like right, I’m off.
Have you had any previous dealings with Rafa Benitez?
No, yesterday (Wednesday) was the first time I spoke to him.
Are you looking forward to working for him?
Yes. He’s a highly respected manager, famed for all his achievements. Valencia hadn’t won the league for 30 years and he made them champions, and also won the UEFA Cup. He’s very highly thought of in Spain and I'm very happy to be working with him.
What has Rafa told you about your role here?
We haven’t gone in to great depth because the time we spoke yesterday wasn’t long enough for him to explain what he expects of me football wise. I’m sure it’s something we’ll be talking about fairly soon though.
Obviously, Liverpool have a number of Spanish players already at the club, do you know any of them?
I don't know any of them personally yet but, obviously, I know who they are and all about them. There are so many great players at Liverpool, Spanish and non-Spanish, and it's going to be fantastic just to share a dressing room with them.
What do you know about fellow right-back Steve Finnan, the man you've been brought in as cover for?
I’ve seen a lot of Liverpool games over the last few seasons and noticed that he’s a great player. He’s got a good touch on the ball and he can also put a good cross over. His delivery is very, very good so I know that it’s going to be a tough battle to get in.
How would you describe your style of play and what qualities can you bring to this team?
It’s always difficult when you try to talk about yourself as a player. I’d just like people to see me play and make their own minds up. But for the purpose of the question I like to defend and keep things tight at the back but, when I have the opportunity, I do like to get forward as well, if the game allows it.
You spent a lot of time playing at Real Madrid as a youngster, what did you learn from your time there?
I had a great time there. You’ve got to enjoy yourself playing with the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Roberto Carlos, Figo, Michael Owen and Beckham. You learn a lot training with these people on a day to day basis. I think having been at a massive club like Real will help me in the fact that the challenge of coming here doesn’t fill me with any kind of trepidation or fear. You train on a daily basis with these kind of players so it’s like more of the same and I’m looking forward to it.
Do you have any role models within the game?
There's nobody as such that I look up to or imitate their style. I’ve not had any one idol other than the fact that you reflect on all the greats and try taking tips on board.
I know you’ve just arrived but what are your first impressions of Liverpool, the club?
Everything is what I imagined it to be and more. It’s all positive. I think it’s the facilities that hit you in the face as soon as you come here. Everything is done properly - correct and professional.
Are you looking forward to settling in the city and will your family be following you?
Liverpool looks a really interesting city and I can't wait to settle down here. Key to that will be learning the language and I'm hoping to do that as soon as possible. My girlfriend who lived with me in Spain has followed me over and I’m sure my family will be over to watch a few games once we’ve settled in.
Is the prospect of adapting to life in the Premiership one you are relishing?
I’m convinced that I can do a good job. I like to set myself high targets and goals in life and adapting to the different language, different culture, different way of life, as well as the differences on the field, of course, is going to be a big challenge. But I can't wait to get started.
Which team did you support growing up in Spain?
When I was really, really young I supported Atletico Madrid. Then I spent time on the books of Zaragoza so they became very close to my heart and obviously because I played for Real Madrid they then became my team. As a result, because of the rivalry in Spain, I have a real desire to see Liverpool beat Barca in the Champions League. One of the things I was thinking when I signed for Liverpool was that it’s good we drew Barca.
Have you played against Barcelona this season and how do you rate our chances against them?
Yes, we drew 1-1 at home and had a few chances to get the three points. I’ve got a lot of respect for Barcelona but no fear, you shouldn’t fear another team. They’ve got a great team with some great players but there's no reason for us to fear them.
There are a couple of games coming up before Barca, starting with the Merseyside derby on Saturday. If selected, are you ready to play?
Yes. As soon as Rafa says, I’m ready!
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