What made him stay at the club?

Liverpool fans will be pleased to know that one of their key players whose long-term future was a topic of much debate has seemingly guaranteed his commitment to the club. Whilst Fernando Torres felt his ambitions of Champions League success would be best suited elsewhere and left for Chelsea, Pepe Reina has been convinced that, with the dramatic improvement since January and permanent appointment of Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool are a club going places once again.

The Spanish goalkeeper recently spoke with Liverpool Director of Football Damien Comolli who, it seems, has promised large investment from the clubs new owners Fenway Sports Group. Whilst there won’t be Champions League football at Anfield next season, this promise of new signings to match the owners’ ambitions for the club has been enough to convince Reina to commit to Liverpool.

FSG purchased the club during tough times but, since the appointment of Dalglish, Liverpool have proved to be the form side of 2011. A side that spent most of the first half of the season in the bottom half of the table have been revolutionised by Dalglish and could still qualify for next season’s Europa League.

Despite this, however, the promise of summer investment has proved more important to Reina. Even though they had been in control for less than three months, Fenway Sports Group invested over £50 million in players in the January transfer window with the acquisitions of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll. The club also appear to be leading the way for the summer signing of Ashley Young, whilst the purchase of Charlie Adam will sure remain a priority. Steven Gerrard has missed large parts of the season with injury and Alberto Aquilani could still return from his loan spell with Juventus. And, in committing his future to the club, Reina could well be the final piece of the jigsaw as the club look to rebuild for next season.

In appointing Damien Comolli the club have also chosen the man often credited with delivering the likes of Gareth Bale, and Luka Modric to Spurs. On track record, therefore, expect to see exciting young arrivals at Anfield to mirror the acquisitions of Suarez and Carroll. And, now at the age of 28 and one of Liverpool’s most senior and influential performers, expect to see these players look to Reina for inspiration and leadership.

The article was written by Richard Perry for FootballFancast.com. Make sure to check out the latest news, blogs and podcasts at FFC – ed.

Follow us on twitter @live4Liverpool or like us on Facebook

Live4Liverpool is recruiting columnists. For further info contact the site editor at live4liverpool@snack-media.com