Alvaro Arbeloa explains why he’s grateful to Liverpool after earning a point with Fulham at Anfield
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Liverpool faced the first of two former players in the Premier League this season on Saturday, as Alvaro Arbeloa and Fulham snatched a point at Anfield.The Spaniard took charge at Craven Cottage this summer after a short spell as interim boss at Real Madrid, and registered his first Premier League point at the home of his former club.Having spent seven years as a player at Real Madrid, Arbeloa is much more affiliated with the La Liga giants than Liverpool, but having returned to Merseyside for the first time as a manager on Saturday, he took time out to thank the Reds for what they gave him during his career. Liverpool face Fulham at Anfield Arbeloa says he’ll always be grateful to LiverpoolArbeloa always felt like he was slightly underrated during his playing days.
A versatile full-back who won just about everything, he was solid if unspectacular during two-and-a-half years with Liverpool.Though the best days of his career arguably came after leaving the Reds in 2009, Arbeloa clearly still remembers his time at Anfield fondly, and when asked for his thoughts on visiting his former home as a manager during Saturday’s post-match press conference, he sent a heartfelt thank you to Liverpool.“I came here when I was a player with Real Madrid and we won. Today was a little bit different as a coach and difficult also,” Arbeloa said.READ MORE: Liverpool player ratings vs Fulham as turgid Reds serve up bore draw at Anfield“Of course I spent here almost three years, some of my best years as a footballer, it was a fantastic time and I’m so grateful to Liverpool Football Club and the opportunity they gave me 20 years ago.
“Rafa [Benitez] I think was here watching the game, he gave me the opportunity. I am here because I was one day a Liverpool player, so I wish them all the best.”Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox