RIERA TO MAKE SHOCK COMEBACK

Spaniard Albert Riera is reportedly set to make a shock return to football after terminating his contract with Phoenix earlier this year. The player surprised many when he cancelled on the Wellington based A-League club as his contract entered its final year.

Riera is expected to feature for Auckland City at the 2016/17 Stirling Sports premiership. It is believed to be an exciting move for the player who spent three years at the Sandringham club. He featured in two FIFA Club World Cups back in 2011 and 2012.

The player was revered in the A-League, and he was commended for his instant impact whilst at Phoenix. He soon became and regular and his consistent performances earned him the Phoenix Player of the Year award in the 2013/2014 season. His display earned him the admiration of Coach Ernie Merrick and he played anytime he was fit. He missed a chunk of games as he has groin injury that season.

Riera played as a passer in Merrick’s squad in front of the defence despite him being originally signed to be a backup player. The player impressed so much that he was named in the A-League All Stars side. The collection played Juventus with Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba on the team.

The following season injury slowed down Riera. His performance, anytime he returned to action, was still top notch but the persistent injuries forced him to leave the game. He said it was harder to shake off the injuries due to age. The coach and management tried to get Riera to change his mind but the player insisted on a break from football.

For Auckland, it is a major coup as they hope the player can help them with his top notch displays that earned him a spot in the ASB Premiership team of the decade in 2014.