Napoli sign Dossena

(GSM) – Napoli have confirmed the signing of defender Andrea Dossena from Liverpool on a four-year deal.

The Italy international has long been linked with a return to his homeland, with the Serie A side narrowly missing out on a deal in the summer.

Reports suggest the Partenopei have paid Liverpool around €five million for Dossena.

The 28-year old had joined Liverpool from Udinese for £7 million in the summer of 2008 but started only 13 Premier League games in 18 months at the club as Rafael Benitez showed a preference for young Argentinean Emiliano Insua.

The highlight of his Liverpool career was a four-day spell in March 2009 during which Dossena scored in a 4-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League and then lobbed Edwin van der Sar as the Reds secured a stunning 4-1 win at Manchester United in the Premier League.

But having failed to secure regular first-team football, and starting just one Premier League game in the current campaign, Dossena has returned to Italy to join Napoli on a deal that runs until 2014.

“I am happy to be able to wear the Napoli shirt,” Dossena told his new club’s official website. “I have chosen a place of great prestige with big plans. I can’t wait for the time to play at the San Paolo in front of an extraordinary public.”