ARBY & XABI SPEAKS SCOUSE?
Arbeloa: Me and Xabi speak Scouse
Alvaro Arbeloa has spoken about his love of Liverpool - and his surprise that Kopites still think of him so fondly.
The World Cup winner endeared himself to supporters with his obstinate brand of defending during 98 appearances between February 2007 and May 2009.
He decided to leave for Real Madrid following the arrival in Merseyside of Glen Johnson - but he recalls his time in England with nothing but affection.
"I loved Liverpool," says Arbeloa. "Understanding Scouse was hard. Carra and Stevie, wow.
"In the end, though, you pick it up: that's one of the other great things about going abroad. And now when we talk to Lass (Diarra) at Madrid, me and Xabi talk in Scouse...la!"
Rafael Benitez signed Arbeloa from Deportivo La Coruna for a bargain fee just a few months before our Champions League final appearance in Athens.
Despite returning to his homeland within two-and-a-half years, the full-back believes he has a lot to thank English football for.
"Yes, it had a hell of an impact (on me)," he says. "When you get to April and May and you don't see the sun, ¡madre mía! But I loved it and the football is everything.
"England helped me grow and made me a better player. I love the way fans live their football there, with such intensity. I know it's a cliché but it's true: everyone who goes to play there loves it. It was a wonderful experience and I would recommend it to everyone."
Arbeloa may be thankful - but he gave as much as he got in the eyes of Liverpool fans, many of whom were sad to see him leave.
The 28-year-old is taken aback by their continuing affection for him.
"Much more than I deserve, much more than I earned," he reflects. "I look at Xabi Alonso: he was there for five years, he was a reference for the team, the focal point. In that last year, he was Liverpool's best player.
"When he was out the team missed him more than they missed Gerrard or Torres; he was the centre of gravity. It's normal for him to be so loved by the fans.
"But for them to have so much affection for me... [shrugs, blows out his cheeks]. I was only here for two and a half years. I appreciate it so much."
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I miss Arbeloa and how he climbs up onto the man pile whenever they're celebrating a goal