Reina calls time on career and eyes return to Villarreal in coaching role | OneFootball

Pepe Reina Reflects on Career, Liverpool Legacy and Life After the Final Whistle

Emotions Behind Retirement

Pepe Reina, the charismatic and ever-reliable former Liverpool and Spain goalkeeper, has officially closed the curtain on a remarkable 25-year professional career at the age of 42. The veteran stopper, who made over 900 senior appearances and was a proud member of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning squad, confirmed the decision with heartfelt words that echoed the respect he has long commanded across the footballing world.

“It (my career) has been much longer than I dreamed, and it has been so short that I would live it all over again,” Reina said in a moving statement. “Only three days after the ‘last dance’, so many emotions, people, and experiences come to my mind that I can only sum it up with an immense THANK YOU.”

Photo: IMAGO

Having played his final campaign with Como in Italy’s Serie A under the stewardship of former Spain team-mate Cesc Fabregas, Reina is now exploring a return to Villarreal, the club that launched him onto the elite stage, in a potential coaching capacity within their youth system.

Liverpool Chapters that Defined a Career

Reina’s most iconic years came at Liverpool. Signed in 2005, the Spaniard made 394 appearances across eight seasons at Anfield, quickly establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s finest goalkeepers. His time in Merseyside delivered four trophies, including the FA Cup and UEFA Super Cup, and a run to the Champions League final in 2007.

He remains revered among Liverpool fans, admired for his commanding presence, quick distribution and larger-than-life personality that perfectly matched the club’s identity. His regret over how his Liverpool exit unfolded still lingers, and while he now speaks of Jurgen Klopp and Alisson with deep admiration, it is clear Anfield never left his heart.

Legacy Forged in Loyalty and Longevity

Reina’s journey began at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. After debuting for the senior team in 2000, he moved on to Villarreal in 2002, then Liverpool three years later. The clubs that defined him are now set to shape his coaching future, with sources suggesting he will rejoin Villarreal to begin his off-pitch career.

In total, Reina earned 36 caps for Spain and was part of one of international football’s most dominant dynasties, winning Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012. His club journey took him across Napoli, Bayern Munich, Milan, Aston Villa, Lazio and back to Villarreal before Como, where he made 12 appearances in his final season.

Gratitude and the Road Ahead

As he reflects on his career, Reina’s gratitude shines through.

“My heartfelt thanks to all those people who have crossed my path, the greatest asset of this profession, from all of them I carry a little piece,” he said. “I do not forget that they have helped me to live this authentic privilege of a career as a footballer.”

He added, “I feel proud and calm about every moment I have lived; the bad ones because they taught me, the good ones because they have made me an extraordinarily happy guy. Thanks to God for blessing me with a family that is responsible for all the good things that have happened to me, and to whom I will not have years of life to pay them back.”

For Reina, retirement does not mark the end, but a transition. Coaching, guiding, and giving back now take centre stage. Whether in Villarreal or beyond, Pepe Reina’s next chapter promises the same passion, integrity and joy that defined his goalkeeping journey.