Aurelio leaving RedsBrazilian's Liverpool deal to expire this summer
Last updated: 25th May 2010
Rafa Benitez has confirmed that Brazilian defender Fabio Aurelio is leaving Liverpool this summer when his contract expires.The 30-year-old spent the past four years at Anfield after joining on a free transfer from Spanish giants Valencia in 2006.
Benitez had hoped to secure the full-back on extended terms and is disappointed the parties were unable to strike an accord.
The Spanish tactician has been delighted with Aurelio's work over the years, but has now confirmed his departure.
"Fabio's contract is nearly finished and he is going to leave us," Benitez told the club's official website.
"We had been trying to work something out with regards an extension but it was a pity that we couldn't.
"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."
InjuriesAurelio made 71 Premier League appearances, but his progress has been hampered by injuries, restricting him to just eight league starts this season.
Benitez has conceded that he has been forced to utilise Emiliano Insua more than he would have liked due to Aurelio's enforced absence.
"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," he continued.
"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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