Westerveld moves to Spain

Dutch goalkeeper Sander Westerveld has signed for Real Sociedad from Liverpool FC for a reported fee of €5.4m the Spanish Primera División club said on Sunday.

'Worked out'
Westerveld, who will begin training with Real on Monday, has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the San Sebastian club and is delighted by the move. "I am really happy that everything has worked out," the 27-year-old said.

'Important challenge'
"I have come to work hard and do my bit to help Real Sociedad improve their position in the league," Westerveld added. "After my spell at Liverpool it is a very important challenge for me to come to a club like Real Sociedad, one of the historic teams in the Spanish first division, which is without doubt the strongest league in the world at the moment."

Five trophies
The Dutch international helped Liverpool win five trophies this year, including the UEFA Cup, but has fallen out of favour after struggling early this season.

Impressive play
Real, managed by former Liverpool forward John Toshack, are currently second from bottom in the Spanish first division. They lost 3-1 against Real Madrid CF on Saturday, although the score did not reflect some impressive attacking play by the Basque side.

'Play good football'
"I've spoken with several friends of mine including Marc Overmars, Roy Makaay and Frank de Boer," Westerveld said. "And they all told me that Real Sociedad are a team that play good football and whose quality doesn't correspond with their league position, something which I could see from myself yesterday while watching the game against Real Madrid."

Fall from grace
Westerveld suffered a dramatic fall from grace at English FA Premiership leaders Liverpool after a mistake at Bolton Wanderers FC cost his team a 2-1 defeat in August. Liverpool signed both Polish international keeper Jerzy Dudek and England under-21 keeper Chris Kirkland just four days after Westerveld's error. Dudek has since established himself as the number one at Anfield stadium.