Linfield captain William ‘Winkie’ Murphy has spoken of his relief after charges of handling counterfeit currency against him were dropped by Spanish authorities.

And he says he will go back to Spain despite his recent hellish spell in a local prison.

The veteran Blues player, who had been incarcerated for two weeks in the popular holiday destination earlier this year, had been facing a minimum prison sentence of eight years had he been found guilty.

The 35-year-old defender was eventually released on bail after been initially arrested on suspicion of having brought counterfeit money into the country on a previous visit two years ago.

Murphy — who had strenuously denied the charge — said yesterday that he was “over the moon”.

“At last the whole Spanish nightmare is over,” he said.

“I’m elated. It’s a huge relief after everything that went on. I’m just lost for words.”

The 2007 Irish League Footballer of the Year was arrested in Torremolinos on May 16, having only been in the sunshine resort for just one day. The Belfast man was then imprisoned in Valdemoro and Alhaurin before being released on bail.

He said the whole ordeal had been extremely difficult for his wife Irene and two children, Caitlan (13) and Jadyn (7).

“My wife and kids are very, very delighted the charges have been dropped,” he said.

“They endured as much a hard time as I did when I was in jail, but it’s great to be able to put all that behind us.

“Now I’m looking forward to getting back to normality.”

Murphy said the experience had not put him off returning to Spain, where his uncle lives.

The player’s solicitor Denis Moloney said his client wanted to thank those who stood by him during the “dark weeks”.

“This nightmare which our client has been subjected to, along with his family and friends, is now over,” he said.

“This morning, we were informed that all charges have been withdrawn and that it is not necessary for Mr Murphy to return to Spain to face a court appearance.

“The charges were strenuously denied and the case would have been defended totally.”

Mr Moloney added: “Mr Murphy would wish to express his sincere thanks to the many well wishers who showed an interest in his case and which gave him great encouragement during his weeks of imprisonment in Spain.”

Linfield manager David Jeffrey said Murphy had phoned him with the good news first thing yesterday.

“I’m just delighted,” he said.

“He has come through an absolutely torrid time. But he knows he has been loved and supported by his family and team throughout his ordeal. Ironically, last night I told him we would be progressing with his new contract, which was never in doubt.”