Liverpool sell Finnan to Espanyol

Liverpool have sold full-back Steve Finnan to Spanish side Espanyol for an undisclosed fee.

Finnan has signed a two-year deal with the La Liga outfit and leaves Anfield after five seasons with the Reds.

The Republic of Ireland international joined from Fulham in 2003 and played 216 first-team games for Liverpool.

The Reds have completed a deal for Albert Riera, which has seen the left winger move in the opposite direction for a fee of about £9m.

Finnan had been linked with a move away from the Reds throughout the summer as manager Rafa Benitez tries to raise cash for signings.

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Right-back Philipp Degen completed a move to the Merseysiders in July as competition for Finnan, and Benitez also has Alvaro Arbeloa, who can play in his position.

But Finnan has made his exit, having helped Liverpool beat AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final.

Espanyol sporting director Paco Herrera said Finnan was just the club needed after seeing Pablo Zabareta depart for Manchester City last week.

"He brings balance to the right side. He doesn't make mistakes, gives good passes, defends well and is correct in everything he does," he said.

"He is always worth a 'seven' in ratings, he doesn't call attention to himself, but the coach and the squad will appreciate him."

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