Rafa future secure, says Parry

Last updated : 12 February 2007 By Rich Middleton
Rafa was close to moving back to his native Spain during the Summer to join Real Madrid, but eventually chose Anfield. Parry now believes the investment resulting from the takeover is sure to keep Rafa at Liverpool.

Parry said, "It was a temptation for Rafa to leave last year - both in his heart and his head - because it was a compelling offer from Real Madrid. But we spoke to him about our plans and our aim to bring in new investment - as we have since he arrived at the club three years ago - and Rafa quickly made it clear that he was going to stay."

Parry added, "We were able to assure him that we were still driving forward in our efforts to bring new investment to the club and were delighted when he re-committed himself to Liverpool. I know that he is very pleased that we have now secured this deal and although the club will continue to be run on sound financial principles, it will be an exciting time for Liverpool in terms of what we will now be able to do to secure transfer targets."

There was one intention, Parry said, explaining that "...the key has always been to keep Rafa happy."