Blood Red: Respect for Pepe Reina shines through at book launch

Nov 5 2011 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo

THE high regard in which Pepe Reina is held by everyone connected with Liverpool was underlined by the turnout for the launch of his autobiography at Anfield.

Team-mates Dirk Kuyt, Lucas Leiva, Charlie Adam and Alexander Doni showed their support for the Reds shot-stopper.

Reina is rightly proud of a fine book co-written by Tony Barrett but at the age of 29 there are many more chapters for the keeper to pen.

The Spaniard could be Liverpool’s No 1 for the next decade and break all kinds of records. He commands respect and is the perfect man to lead the Reds in the absence of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

Kuyt paid a warm tribute to Reina but admitted he might have to gloss over some passages in the book.

“Some of it will be difficult for me to read, especially the chapter about the World Cup,” joked Kuyt, who was part of the Holland side beaten in the final by Spain.

“Pepe is a bit crazy but he’s a great goalkeeper and a fantastic personality. He’s very important for us. He has a big influence in the dressing room and on the pitch. He’s a good friend of mine and many other players.”