An open letter to Pepe Reina from a Liverpool fan

Dear Pepe,

It wasn’t destined to end this way, surely?

Even as social media was swamped with news about your potential departure, sweet memories of your time at the club began flooding my mind. There is so much to say, so much to talk about, but here I am confused as ever. Where do I start?

So let me begin this letter by making a confession. People often talk about a certain Stevie G as the reason behind them adopting the Liverbird. In my case, well, that’s just wasn’t the scenario. My tryst with Liverpool was instituted by two besties, two so-called adopted Scousers – a diminutive Dutch powerhouse and a rising Spanish phenomenon. The former was obviously “Mr. Duracell” Dirk Kuyt and the latter… well, you would’ve guessed him by now, right? Yes, Pepe, that’s you!

***Dirk Kuyt and Pepe Reina: Friends Forever.***

Bravery, distribution, agility, communication, passion, leadership and silky feet that could challenge even the best outfield player – you had it all. Spectacular saves became a normal sight; who can forget the amazing triple save against United, the Golden Gloves in each of your first three seasons, the mastery of penalty shootouts. It finally looked you had filled the void that had been eating away at Liverpool for over a decade.

We’re known for being a club that backs our players, but you were a little extra special; there was an attachment beyond just the standard affections. And why shouldn’t there be? The image of you running all the way up the field to celebrate David N’Gog’s goal will remain etched in our minds to cherish forever. I am still not sure how you did that, but it showed us just how much playing for the club meant to you.

“For tens of thousands of footballers, Liverpool is a difficult club to join because it’s one of the greatest in the world. But I know from my own personal experience that is an even more difficult club to leave behind.” – Pepe: My Autobiography

When you arrived at the club, Rafa Benitez described you as the best keeper in Spain, and instantly the expectations rocketed sky high. But boy, did you succeed! Within a year you had become the indisputable number 1, pushing aside a man who had just experienced probably the best game of his career and the most important one in the club’s history.

Your performances matched your personality: bold, strong and authoritative. If there is anyone who deserves more than a solitary League Cup and FA Cup to his name, it is you, for you stayed on board even while others were jumping off the sinking ship.

Judging by the speculation that has been rife in these last two years, which included a cruel spell on loan, it wasn’t too hard to guess that the writing was on the wall. And sadly, it’s happened now.

I remember reading the letter you had penned for us fans last year, but it was not until today that I actually realise its worth.

What hurts even more is that we couldn’t give you that one last fitting farewell that you so richly merited. That one last glimpse, that one last lap of honour, that final applause from the Kop whose goal you have so diligently guarded. Alas.

After a mammoth 394 appearances, 180 clean sheets and 8 years of selfless dedication and determination, it finally comes down to this – a heart-broken goodbye. That we’ve seen the last of you in a Liverpool shirt, is a pretty hard fact to digest.

Thanks for all the memories Pepe, beautiful ones at that.

Wish you all the best for your future in Munich. YNWA.

From,

Just another Liverpool fan.