Liverpool FC career over for Fabio Aurelio
May 25 2010 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
RAFA BENITEZ today gave Fabio Aurelio a rousing send-off as he revealed the Brazilian’s four-year Liverpool career has reached an end.
Aurelio’s contract expires a week today but, as expected, it will not be renewed after an agreement on new terms could not be reached.
The Reds were happy to offer Aurelio, who has suffered with chronic fitness problems, a ‘pay as you play’ deal but the Brazilian wanted the security of a longer-term arrangement.
Clubs in Europe and Brazil have been monitoring Aurelio’s situation and he is unlikely to be short of options when it comes to him taking the next step in his career this summer.
Benitez, though, has admitted Anfield will be a slightly poorer place without the 30-year-old, as he holds him in the highest regard as a person and a player.
“Fabio’s contract is nearly finished and he is going to leave us,†said Benitez, who brought Aurelio to Anfield on a Bosman in June 2006 after previously working with him at Valencia.
“We had been trying to work something out with regards an extension but it was a pity that we couldn’t. He has given us absolutely fantastic service.
“Fabio is a top professional, a great player and a really good lad. I mean every single word I say about him.
“It has been a pleasure having him here and we really will miss himâ€
Though much was made about the impact injuries to Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard had on Liverpool’s campaign, Aurelio’s prolonged absences were just as crucial.
He missed the start of the season after suffering a freak knee injury playing football with his children last summer.
And he never figured after February 28 when he damaged his thigh during the 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers.
But that was indicative of the way things went for him on Merseyside – every time he looked set to build up a head of steam, he was cruelly struck down.
Never more was that apparent than when he ruptured his Achilles tendon against PSV Eindhoven in April 2007, a problem which ultimately deprived him of a place in the Champions League final.
“The one problem we had with Fabio was that he suffered too many injuries and it was such a pity because he has great quality,†said Benitez.
“When he was in the team, we were always to play the ball out from the back and keep it because he uses possession so well.
“With Fabio being out so much, it meant that we had to use (Emiliano) Insua more than we would have liked and that was not easy for him.â€
The highlight of Aurelio’s time on Merseyside was the stunning free-kick he scored in the 4-1 demolition of Manchester United in March 2009 but Benitez will remember him for much more.
“You can say things about players,†said the Reds’ boss.
“But with Fabio, you are talking about an amazin person who gave 100 per cent all the time. We wish him all the best.â€
May 25 2010 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
RAFA BENITEZ today gave Fabio Aurelio a rousing send-off as he revealed the Brazilian’s four-year Liverpool career has reached an end.
Aurelio’s contract expires a week today but, as expected, it will not be renewed after an agreement on new terms could not be reached.
The Reds were happy to offer Aurelio, who has suffered with chronic fitness problems, a ‘pay as you play’ deal but the Brazilian wanted the security of a longer-term arrangement.
Clubs in Europe and Brazil have been monitoring Aurelio’s situation and he is unlikely to be short of options when it comes to him taking the next step in his career this summer.
Benitez, though, has admitted Anfield will be a slightly poorer place without the 30-year-old, as he holds him in the highest regard as a person and a player.
“Fabio’s contract is nearly finished and he is going to leave us,†said Benitez, who brought Aurelio to Anfield on a Bosman in June 2006 after previously working with him at Valencia.
“We had been trying to work something out with regards an extension but it was a pity that we couldn’t. He has given us absolutely fantastic service.
“Fabio is a top professional, a great player and a really good lad. I mean every single word I say about him.
“It has been a pleasure having him here and we really will miss himâ€
Though much was made about the impact injuries to Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard had on Liverpool’s campaign, Aurelio’s prolonged absences were just as crucial.
He missed the start of the season after suffering a freak knee injury playing football with his children last summer.
And he never figured after February 28 when he damaged his thigh during the 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers.
But that was indicative of the way things went for him on Merseyside – every time he looked set to build up a head of steam, he was cruelly struck down.
Never more was that apparent than when he ruptured his Achilles tendon against PSV Eindhoven in April 2007, a problem which ultimately deprived him of a place in the Champions League final.
“The one problem we had with Fabio was that he suffered too many injuries and it was such a pity because he has great quality,†said Benitez.
“When he was in the team, we were always to play the ball out from the back and keep it because he uses possession so well.
“With Fabio being out so much, it meant that we had to use (Emiliano) Insua more than we would have liked and that was not easy for him.â€
The highlight of Aurelio’s time on Merseyside was the stunning free-kick he scored in the 4-1 demolition of Manchester United in March 2009 but Benitez will remember him for much more.
“You can say things about players,†said the Reds’ boss.
“But with Fabio, you are talking about an amazin person who gave 100 per cent all the time. We wish him all the best.â€
