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Rafael Benitez confirms Fabio Aurelio is set to leave Liverpool after failure to agree new contract
Spaniard hails Brazilian's 'fantastic service'...
25 May 2010 12:28:00
By Zack Wilson
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has confirmed that Fabio Aurelio is on his way out of Anfield this summer.
The left-back joined the Reds in 2006 on a free transfer from Valencia and his current deal expires at the end of the month.
The Brazilian has been linked with a free transfer move to Greek side Olympiakos.
"Fabio's contract is nearly finished and he is going to leave us," Benitez told reporters on Tuesday.
"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 him."
Aurelio's time in England has been disrupted by injury, but suporters also saw some high-quality football from the defender, who scored a fine free-kick in the 4-1 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford in March 2009.
"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," Benitez added.
"When he was in the team, we were always able 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.
"You can say things about players. But with Fabio, you are talking about an amazing person who gave 100 per cent all the time. We wish him all the best."
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The left-back joined the Reds in 2006 on a free transfer from Valencia and his current deal expires at the end of the month.
The Brazilian has been linked with a free transfer move to Greek side Olympiakos.
"Fabio's contract is nearly finished and he is going to leave us," Benitez told reporters on Tuesday.
"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 him."
Aurelio's time in England has been disrupted by injury, but suporters also saw some high-quality football from the defender, who scored a fine free-kick in the 4-1 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford in March 2009.
"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," Benitez added.
"When he was in the team, we were always able 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.
"You can say things about players. But with Fabio, you are talking about an amazing person who gave 100 per cent all the time. We wish him all the best."
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