Napoli's Rafael Benitez surprised by Pepe Reina coup

Napoli coach Rafael Benitez has admitted that he was surprised that his former club Liverpool were willing to loan him goalkeeper Pepe Reina for the 2013-14 season.

Liverpool's summer capture of Belgian keeper Simon Mignolet from Sunderland meant that long-serving Reina, who arrived from Villarreal in 2005, was no longer a guaranteed first0choice at Anfield.

"Obviously I know the situation and I was surprised," he told reporters. "We were trying to sign Julio Cesar [of Queens Park Rangers] and it was a surprise for us when Pepe Reina was available.

"For us it is a big boost and it is really important because he is a great player so we are really pleased.

"I would say he has a lot of respect for the club and he was surprised by the decision and because nobody had told him. He has a great relationship with the fans and the club so I don't think he has any problem with them."

Reina and fellow new signing Gonzalo Higuain could feature for Napoli in their Emirates Cup match against Arsenal on Saturday.