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By Lewis Price

Liverpool FC star Luis Alberto was banned from the road after pleading guilty to drink-driving.

The 21-year-old Spanish attacking midfielder was caught during the early hours on Monday March 31 while driving home from a friend's birthday party.

Police stopped the footballer, who was driving a white Porsche, on Croxteth Drive as he appeared to be using his mobile phone.

Alberto, whose full name is Luis Alberto Alconchel Romero, was also seen swerving the car and, after narrowly missing an island, was asked to step out of his vehicle and undergo a breath test.

He was found to be nearly double the legal limit of 35mg, with a recorded 61mg.

Alberto, who was accompanied by an interpreter at Liverpool magistrates' court yesterday, admitted being in control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

His lawyer, Michael Hogan, said: "Mr Romero does not go out, this was the first time he has been out properly since he has been in Liverpool.”

He added: "Luis has no previous convictions to his name and is unused to strong alcohol. Normally his drinking habits are modest and with being a professional footballer, he will find it difficult without the use of his car.”

District Judge Richard Clancy banned the football star for 12 months and ordered him to attend an alcohol awareness course

He said: "You will have six months to pass a drink drive course, if this is completed in six months the ban will be reduced to nine months."

He was also fined £1,500 and told to pay a a £150 victim surcharge.

Alberto, who was signed from Sevilla last summer for £6m, has made a total of 12 appearances this season, but is yet to start a Premier League game.

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