Alvaro Arbeloa claims talks over a new Liverpool contract will not begin while the long-term future of Rafa Benitez remains unresolved.
The former Real Madrid full back has been linked with a return to the Spanish capital recently, with speculation that Atletico Madrid are preparing a bid.
While Arbeloa insisted he had no news of Atletico’s interest in him, the 25-year-old has now entered the final 18 months of his contract.
His manager also finds himself in a similar position.
“I have a contract with Liverpool for another year," Arbeloa told AS. "We haven’t spoken about an extension. It is necessary to know first if Benitez will stay…
"It seems to be a little too soon to speak about that.”
While the Anfield career of one Liverpool player is open to doubt, Arbeloa insists the same could not be said of Steven Gerrard.
Spanish giants Real Madrid were linked with Liverpool’s talisman when Arbeloa was still a Real player but the Spaniard knows now that that bid was doomed to fail because Gerrard would never leave Liverpool.
“A while ago there was talk that Madrid wanted Gerrard. They can forget about that – he’ll never leave here.”
We need to get him, Kuyt, Agger and Rafa signed up soon and then concentrate on winning the league
This is a big reason why it is so important that Rafa stays.
The former Real Madrid full back has been linked with a return to the Spanish capital recently, with speculation that Atletico Madrid are preparing a bid.
While Arbeloa insisted he had no news of Atletico’s interest in him, the 25-year-old has now entered the final 18 months of his contract.
His manager also finds himself in a similar position.
“I have a contract with Liverpool for another year," Arbeloa told AS. "We haven’t spoken about an extension. It is necessary to know first if Benitez will stay…
"It seems to be a little too soon to speak about that.”
While the Anfield career of one Liverpool player is open to doubt, Arbeloa insists the same could not be said of Steven Gerrard.
Spanish giants Real Madrid were linked with Liverpool’s talisman when Arbeloa was still a Real player but the Spaniard knows now that that bid was doomed to fail because Gerrard would never leave Liverpool.
“A while ago there was talk that Madrid wanted Gerrard. They can forget about that – he’ll never leave here.”
We need to get him, Kuyt, Agger and Rafa signed up soon and then concentrate on winning the league
This is a big reason why it is so important that Rafa stays.
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