• Premier League

Spartak slam Riera salary demands

ESPNsoccernet staff
April 8, 2010
Albert Riera has never settled at Anfield © Getty Images
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Spartak Moscow coach Valery Karpin claims Alberto Riera's proposed £5 million switch from Liverpool fell through because the winger demanded too much money.

Riera found himself in the Anfield doghouse after describing Liverpool as a "sinking ship", comments the Spaniard has since backtracked on, and was eager to secure a move to the Russian league before their transfer window shut on April 8.

Two weeks ago it appeared that the outspoken 27-year-old would join Karpin's Spartak, but the deal collapsed.

"I can tell you why the transfer didn't happen," Karpin told the Daily Mail. "Riera wanted to go to Spartak to hit the jackpot. We made him understand that this wouldn't happen with us.

"I can say there will be no acquisitions before the transfer window closes."

Riera, who last appeared as a substitute during Liverpool's 1-0 defeat in Lille on March 11, now faces the tough task of winning back the trust of manager Rafael Benitez.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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