Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has admitted that former team-mate Pepe Reina was at his peak five years ago.
The Spain shot-stopper is leaving Anfield for Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich and ex-colleague Carragher praised the impact he made during his time on Merseyside.
However, he also revealed his belief that Reina was at the height of his powers in 2009, after which he endured a difficult spell at the club before being loaned out to Serie A side Napoli last term.
Carragher said on Twitter: “Good luck to @PReina25 top keeper and man. From 2006/09 one of the best in Europe. Kept a fair few clean sheets together!”
The writing was on the wall for Reina when Reds manager Brendan Rodgers splashed the cash to lure Belgian goalkeeper Simon Mignolet from Sunderland 12 months ago.
A loan stint in Naples proved to be successful but a permanent switch to the club was ruled out when Brazilian Rafael returned to fitness this summer following a spell on the sidelines.
Reina still had two years remaining on his lucrative contract at Anfield when he returned to the club after this summer’s World Cup commitments with Spain in Brazil, but was not prepared to spend the 2014-15 campaign on the substitutes’ bench.
Liverpool were also anxious to shift him off the wage bill.