NewsAdrian reunites with Liverpool squad ahead of Real Betis friendly

The Spanish goalkeeper departed the Reds earlier this month after a five-year spell at Anfield – and returned to La Liga side Betis, with whom he had started his professional career.

Following Arne Slot’s squad’s morning training session in the Steel City, Adrian popped in to the team hotel for a catch-up with his old friends, who will take on his new club at Acrisure Stadium on Friday.

It also represented an opportunity for Adrian to properly say goodbye to his previous colleagues, with 2023-24 having ended before his future was clarified.

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“To be honest, it was a bit strange to come to this room with a different kit, a different colour, a different badge on the chest,” Adrian told Liverpoolfc.com.

“But yes, I had the moment to say goodbye to everyone because I didn’t have time at all during that period. Everything happened during the summer and it was a bit crazy. But at the end, it’s life; I had to take a decision, a decision from my heart. A family decision as well to go back to my former team.

“I said to the guys, ‘We spent really good and very special moments together in the last five years.’ We got some trophies. I wish them all the very best to get some more trophies and medals. It’s nice to get that winning mentality that the group have, it’s incredible and they will use it for sure.

“I will be a Red from Spain, from Seville now this time – once a Red, always Red. The club, the fans and the group, this group, will be with me forever.”

He added: “Really looking forward to the game. It will be really, really strange to play against Liverpool – just two months ago I was defending that badge. But now it is my time to defend another club.

“I will enjoy the game, hopefully I will have some minutes as well. It’s a game to keep training, good practice and keep showing that both teams are in a good level and ready.”

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