Westerveld signs for Sociedad

Westerveld is happy with the move to Spain

Liverpool goalkeeper Sander Westerveld has joined struggling Spanish first division side Real Sociedad in a £3.4m deal.

The Dutchman, who has signed until the end of June 2005, fell out of favour at Anfield after a series of blunders.

He last played for Liverpool in their 2-1 defeat at Bolton on 27 August, when an error by him cost the team victory, and was subsequently demoted down the pecking order following the signings of Jerzy Dudek and Chris Kirkland.

"I am very happy because everything has worked out positively," said Westerveld.

"I have come here to work hard and to help, amongst other things, Real Sociedad move up the table.

"After my time at Liverpool it's a very significant challenge for me coming to a team like Real Sociedad, one of the historic teams in the Spanish league, without doubt the strongest in the world at the moment."