Pepe Reina has admitted he almost left Liverpool after the "dark moments" of Tom Hicks and George Gillett's ownership of the Merseyside club.

The Spanish goalkeeper is now happy at Anfield and looking forward to his first visit to Wembley in this afternoon's Carling Cup final.

"There was a point when I thought that my only option was to move to another club," Reina said. "It was only when there was a change of ownership at Liverpool that I decided to stay.

"It was by far the biggest factor in my decision. When I joined Liverpool in 2005 we were European champions. The following year we won the FA Cup and the next we reached the Champions League final. But after 2007 nothing."

Reina cited the Champions League defeat to AC Milan in 2007 as a particular low point for the club, adding: "We all know why the club went backwards after that final in Athens. It was a dark moment in Liverpool's history. And I'm not just talking about the last decade, but the whole history of the club.

"Having those owners was one of the worst moments for Liverpool. I probably wouldn't be here if the change of ownership hadn't happened - but that doesn't matter now because we are looking forward to going to Wembley."

Victory over Cardiff this afternoon would see the Reds return to Merseyside with their first trophy in six years.