Riera says Rafa Benitez was a key factor in his decision

Liverpool winger Albert Riera has revealed the Reds are the only club he wanted to sign for.

The 26-year-old, who signed from Espanyol on transfer deadline day, has signed a four-year contract, with Rafa Benitez's side.

"When Espanyol said I had some offers I said 'only listen to the offer from Liverpool'," the Spain international told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"Why? Because it is a very big team and I like the supporters and stadium."

Riera said the quality of Liverpool's squad and his previous relationship with Rafa Benitez were among the factors that led to his decision to turn down his other suitors, who included city-neighbours Everton.

"The boss [Benitez], I know him when I was training in Spain and I know he's a coach that brings the maximum from the player, so he's very important for the players."

They had more important offers than [the] Liverpool one for me so it was a fight, but they knew my clear idea was only to come here Albert Riera

"I [would have] preferred to be here from the first day but it was a really difficult fight with Espanyol because Espanyol asked for a lot of money for me.

"They had more important offers than [the] Liverpool one for me so it was a fight, but they knew my clear idea was only to come here.

"They respected my decision and on the last day they accepted the offer."