Liverpool’s Alberto Moreno’s tears have turned to smiles

Alberto Moreno was reduced to tears when he had to leave his boyhood club, Seville.

But there have been nothing but smiles from the Spanish defender since he arrived at Liverpool last summer.

Moreno wears his heart on his sleeve and that, allied to his attacking style, has quickly endeared him to Reds’ fans.

Copying Daniel Sturridge’s goal celebration dance hasn’t done his popularity any harm, either!

The 22-year-old has been humbled by the reception he and his family have had since moving to England, and he wants to repay that with success on the pitch.

“It was a simple decision to come here,” he said. “This is Liverpool. This is one of the biggest clubs in the world, always has been and always will be.

“It didn’t take a second to make my mind up. But, even so, it was still a wrench to leave the club where I had been since I was a kid.

“When you look back and reflect on everything in your career, and leave your city and your friends, it’s tough.

“That’s when you shed a tear. It’s a radical change from living in Seville, but I’ve been treated so well.

“People in the street here have been so respectful towards me, and that’s given me a lot of confidence.

“I know I’m lucky to be playing regularly for Liverpool, a place where most players would love to play and I’m determined to get the best out of my time here.”

One of Moreno’s biggest thrills since moving to Anfield has been the chance to play with Steven Gerrard.

And the Spaniard and his new team-mates are determined to help Gerrard go out on a high with FA Cup glory at Wembley on May 30.

First, they need to see off Blackburn Rovers at home in today’s quarter-final.

“I’ve been so lucky to play and share a dressing-room with one of the best in the world,” said Moreno.

“Stevie is a superstar, different to the rest. In Spain, we call this type of player a ‘crack’.

“He was one of my idols when I was growing up, so I’m never going to forget the chance to play with him.

“Winning the FA Cup and saying goodbye to Liverpool with a trophy would be the perfect present for him.”

Liverpool are in great form, unbeaten in their 12 League games stretching back to December, and are Cup favourites.

The decision by manager Brendan Rodgers to switch to a back three has worked a treat, and Moreno has been a big beneficiary.

He has been pushed forward to left wing back, and with his natural inclination to go forward, it’s been music to his ears.

“This is the first time I have played so far forward in senior football, but when I was younger, I played as a winger,” he revealed.

“I prefer attacking to defending, so this is perfect. Compared to La Liga, teams give you more space and the matches are more up and down.

“But I love it here. For a player with my qualities, it’s the best and I hope to stay for many years.”