Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Defender Fabio Aurelio to leave Liverpool next week !!

Liverpool defender Fabio Aurelio is to leave the club next week after failing to agree a new contract.

The 30-year-old became the first Brazilian to sign for the Merseyside outfit when he joined in July 2006 on a free transfer from Valencia.


Liverpool defender Fabio Aurelio
Aurelio made only 14 league appearances in the 2009/10 season

But his Anfield career was hampered by injuries and he has turned down the offer of a new pay-as-you-play deal.

"We had been trying to work something out but it was a pity that we couldn't," said manager Rafael Benitez.

"He has given us absolutely fantastic service. The one problem we had with Fabio was that he suffered too many injuries and it was such a pity because he has great quality."

Aurelio missed the start of 2009/10 season after sustaining a freak knee problem while playing football with his children and a thigh problem at the end of February prematurely ended his season.

He made a total of 23 appearances in 2009/10, including 14 in the Premier League and seven in Europe.

Benitez said Aurelio's injury problems put more pressure on 21-year-old left-back Emiliano Insua. The Argentine played 44 matches before he too succumbed to injury late in the season.

"With Fabio being out so much, it meant that we had to use Insua more than we would have liked and that was not easy for him," added Benitez.

"It has been a pleasure having him here and we really will miss him. You are talking about an amazing person who gave 100% all the time. We wish him all the best."

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