The Reds boss met with the 31-year-old to discuss that he
wanted to give him some competition by signing a new goalkeeper, before Simon
Mignolet's £9 million move to Anfield.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed he spoke
to Pepe Reina about his plans to sign another goalkeeper this summer.
The Spaniard made 285 appearances during nine seasons as
the club's first choice shot-stopper, before linking up with former boss Rafa
Benitez on a season-long loan at Napoli.
And after Reina backtracked on claims that he was forced
out of the club, Rodgers has revealed he met with the 31-year-old to explain he
planned to give him some competition in goal.
"It wasn't anything underhand," Rodgers told
the Telegraph. "It was looking into his eye and telling him he was a very
good keeper but in order to be the best he can be and for us to be the best, I
need to bring in another one who would be equal number one.
"He accepted that at the time, that was something he
felt was needed also.
"Obviously here at the club we then have to consider
the wages, as there is a financial implication too. So it was deemed through
both parties that it was best for him to move on.
"As I said, I was comfortable enough to let it
happen. He wanted to go and play, you have to consider that, it is World Cup
year as well. He wanted to be a number one somewhere.
"We did everything we could to support him to be the
best he could be. There was no rush for me to move Pepe out but I felt he
needed competition so I had to bring in someone."
Rodgers has already been impressed by new No.1 choice
Simon Mignolet, who was signed for £9 million from Sunderland during the summer
transfer window.
"I’d seen him over the last few years, he’s adapted
to the Premier League. He is a brilliant shot-stopper," the Reds boss
added.
"John Achterberg, our Dutch goalkeeping coach, has
been monitoring him for years.
"You see his presence, he is good with his feet,
that is important, it is one of the big things I look for in my
goalkeeper."
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