Ian Ayre, the commercial director of English soccer club Liverpool, has paid tribute to the club's Spanish links, following the acquisition of the Spain Tourist Board as a sponsor and the success of Spanish driver Adrian Valles in the team's Superleague Formula motorsport franchise.

Turespaña, the Spain Tourism Board, signed a three-year contract with the club, which is managed by Rafa Benitez and has a number of Spanish stars including goalkeeper Pepe Reina and striker Fernando Torres. Last weekend, when Valles sealed the 2009 championship at a race in his home country, the link was further underlined.

"We're all aware of the clear Spanish connection Liverpool Football Club has and having Adrian is great," said Ayre. "He had a great day at Anfield the week before.

"The players keep in touch with him. I know Pepe Reina is a bit of a petrolhead and has been in regular contact. Rafa also sent a great message of congratulations to him on the day. He's fitted in really well and is clearly a rising star of motor racing."

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Ayre added: "The celebrations were unbelievable. It looked like Adrian had his entire village from Spain up on the podium with him. There was lots of champagne being sprayed about."