Rafael Benitez delighted to have signed Pepe Reina out of nowhere

Rafael Benitez is surprised that Liverpool let Pepe Reina go

Napoli boss Rafael Benitez admitted that he was left bemused when he came to know that goalkeeper Pepe Raina was available on loan from Liverpool.

Benitez said: “We were trying to sign Julio Cesar and it was a surprise for us when Pepe Reina was available. For us it is a big boost and it is really important because he is a great player so we are really pleased.”

The former Liverpool and Chelsea manager believes that Reina is still a world class player.

He added: “He is still a fantastic keeper. We knew he had a long contract so it would have been impossible and we were not even thinking about him.”

Rafa revealed that they were preparing a bid for QPR’s Julio Cesar but shelved it after knowing about Reina’s availability.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Benitez said: “We were talking about Cesar and then we realised that he was available and that was perfect.”

Earlier this week Reina expressed his disappointment at not being alerted of a possible loan move by Liverpool.

When asked about what kind of impact it would have on Reina’s future at Anfield, he said: “I would say he has a lot of respect for the Liverpool and he was surprised by the decision and because nobody had told him.

“He has a great relationship with the fans and the club so I don’t think he has any problem with them.”