Real Madrid full-back Alvaro Arbeloa has said he can’t wait to play against former side Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday night.
The 31-year-old played for the Reds for two years between 2007 and 2009 prior to signing for the Santiago Bernabeu side, and played in the Champions League final defeat to AC Milan in Athens.
Ahead of the game, Arbeloa took time out to speak to UEFA.com, and he recalled his time in the north west of England, telling the website that he has fond memories of playing for the club.
“Returning to Liverpool after five years will be very special. I played at the Anfield, so it will be very beautiful. But not just for me, I’ve told my team mates to enjoy the match as much as possible,” he stated.
“I grew a lot as a player and as a person. I was there for two marvelous years and I got used to a new culture,” he added.
The Spanish international also discussed what it mean to be part of the Decima-winning squad last season, particularly having lost a Champions League final previously.
“Real Madrid is the most important club in the world. That makes it special, there’s not any greater club. It’s the one that has won the most and that says everything. La Decima was the most important title, and after winning it I can look back without the anxiety I had before. I’ve lost four times in the semifinals and I always thought about the lost opportunity in Athens.”
