Liverpool have signed a deal to bring Rickie Lambert to Anfield, with the club reportedly forking out £4 million to lure the striker away from Southampton.
The 32-year-old, who used to work in a beetroot factory prior to signing with Southampton in 2009, released a statement to the club’s official website saying: “I can’t believe it. I’ve loved this club all my life. I left here 17 years ago – and I haven’t stopped loving it since.
“I have always dreamt of playing for Liverpool, but I did kind of think the chance of playing for them had gone. I didn’t think the chance would come.
“I know how big Liverpool are – and it means everything to me – but I know what is important; I know it’s what I do on the pitch and the minutes I play. I know that’s what matters, and that’s what I’ll be focused on.”
The surprise signing of Lambert could be the first of two deals Liverpool make with Southampton, as the club continues a £25 million bid for Lambert’s England teammate Adam Lallana.
Speaking of the acquisition of Lambert, club manager Brendan Rodgers said: “I’ve seen Rickie Lambert over the years and he’s one of those players that probably never got the recognition for what a really good footballer he is. It’s only late on in his career – at 29, 30, 31 – that people are really starting to focus on his qualities.”
He continued: “Look at his touch, look at the level of his goals, the different types of goals he has scored over his career, and he’s a specialist on penalties as well.
“I think he is a terrific footballer and any team he plays against, he’s always a handful.”
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