Liverpool's Steve Finnan Off For Career In Barcelona

Irish right back Steve Finnan has left Liverpool and joined Spanish side Espanyol on a two-year deal.

Finnan had seen his chances diminish at Anfield, and has taken the bold step of continuing his career in completely new surroundings.

I salute the 32-year-old for taking this step, and I'm always glad to see players that are willing to have a go abroad. 

Sadly there haven't been that many recently, but I'm sure Steve spoke to his old Irish teammate Ian Harte before making his decision. Harte recently spent two seasons in Spain with Levante.

Espanyol are Barcelona's so called "second club" but have a fine tradition, and the Irish right back will enjoy playing in the city's Olympic Stadium, which was built for the 1992 Games.

The 50 times (two goals) capped Finnan made 208 (scoring just once) appearances for Liverpool after working his way through the football league.

He is in fact the only player to have played at every level of the English game (including the conference), as well as in European competition and internationally.

The man has even started in two European Cup Finals!

You can't help but respect a man like that. A great achievement.

Steve Finnan joins famous names like Ivan De La Pena and club captain Raul Tamudo at the La Liga club, and I really do wish him well.

Strangely, Finnan isn't the only defender from the English leagues making a move to Europe today.

Tyrone Mears of Derby County has joined Marseille on a year-long loan deal. The 25-year-old went on trial to the French giants recently without permission, and was subsequently told by Derby boss Paul Jewell he'd never play again under his management.

Marseille were obviously impressed however, and a deal has been done.

Even though his methods were at best "faulty", I still have to salute him for trying. He's gone out on a limb to further his career and will now potentially be playing in the Champions League.

A little better than propping up the Championship with Derby.

Mears becomes the latest Englishman to play for Marseille and joins a list of successful names including Trever Steven and of course, Chris Waddle.

On a day the English Premier League again welcomed some of the best talent from around the world, it was really nice to see at least a couple of players willing to create a new life, far away from home.

Maybe they can help silence the doubters about British and Irish talent and help encourage more players to have a go in foreign lands in the future.

I know it's only two players but it's a start.