Is that David Beckham signing for Olympiakos? No, it's. . .

• zocoss

  23 Jul 10, 22:18

  Is that David Beckham signing for Olympiakos? No, it's Albert Riera! Liverpool winger receives hero's welcome in Greece
  

   

  

  Prince Albert: Riera's car passes through crowds of fans (above) after the Liverpool winger (below, waving to supporters) arrived in Greece

   

   

  

   

   

  More than 1,000 Olympiakos fans swarmed around Athens Airport on Thursday to greet Liverpool winger Albert Riera, who is expected to complete a move to Olympiakos on Friday.

  The supporters greeted Riera by lighting flares, cheering and chanting as Riera touched down in Greece in scenes more reminiscent of the arrival of a superstar such as David Beckham.

  The Reds bought Riera for £8million in 2008 but will only receive £3.3m up front for the 28-year-old with a further £1.6m if the Greek side win their domestic league title. Olympiakos have made no official statement about the likely deal.

  The Spaniard fell out with former Anfield boss Rafa Benitez after publicly expressing his frustration at being unable to establish himself as a first-team regular at Anfield. He has not featured for Liverpool since the club's Europa League defeat in Lille in March.

   

   

  Flare enough: Olympiakos fans provide a colourful entrance for Riera (above), who found it difficult to pass through the swelling crowds (below)

   

   

  

   

   

  

  Rare appearance: Riera has not featured for Liverpool since March

   

   

  The 28-year-old midfielder failed to make Spain's squad for this summer's World Cup, although fellow Liverpool players Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina were included.

  Olympiakos finished second behind Panathinaikos in the Greek league last season, and lost out on a Champions League spot to PAOK in the playoffs. 

• gunner77

  23 Jul 10, 22:42

  

• zocoss

  23 Jul 10, 22:56

  Actually I thought he had a very good first season when he arrived... I was very impress with his running and control of the ball... Then don't know what happen in the second season... But for only $3.3m, he is a very good buy for Olympiakos in my opinion...

   

• Bus&Soccer l0v3r (VO3x 1)

  24 Jul 10, 10:28

   it ok to say that Spain get WC
  
  
  but he didnt even go

• Patrik

  24 Jul 10, 11:27

  Another player ruined by Benitez.

  sigh.

• zocoss

  24 Jul 10, 13:17

  RIERA COMPLETES OLYMPIACOS MOVE

   

  

  Albert Riera finally gets to leave "sinking ship"

   

  

  Fans of Greek soccer club Olympiakos hold flares as a car transporting Spanish soccer player Albert Riera passes them at Athens' International airport, Spata, Greece, Thursday, July 22, 2010

  Albert Riera has completed his move to Olympiacos, the Greek club have announced.

  The Spanish winger was presented to media today after fans lined the streets to welcome his arrival at the Athens club.

  The 28-year-old fell out of favour at Anfield last season after an outspoken attack on former manager Rafael Benitez and describing the Reds as a "sinking ship".  

  Reports claim the deal is worth £3.3million and that Riera has signed a four-year contract.

  Riera joined Liverpool from Espanyol two years ago. He was linked with Spartak Moscow last season but his wage demands were thought to have priced him out of a move.

  Speaking about his motivation for the move, Riera said: "I am eager for titles and honours. I am comfortable with my decision and I will be playing with a group hunting for trophies. I came to win titles, which are missing from my career.”
  
  Riera admits he was taken aback by the reception he received from fans, who turned out in huge numbers to greet him.
  
  He added: “I was told the fans were coming but what I saw was much more than I expected. I did not expect so many people, honestly. It was a surprise for me.
  
  “Such enthusiasm is good for the club. I understand how important the support of the people is, it’s priceless.”
  
  Riera joins his younger brother Sito, of Panionios, in playing in the Greek league.