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.
