Transfer Talk: Southampton Loose Striker Lambert

Southampton striker Rickie Lambert has finally signed the Reds on a fee of around £4m.

The player who is currently with the Three lions in Miami had his medicals and personal terms discussed and agreed upon before leaving with the National for a preparartory tour for the World Cup in Miami.

"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,'' Lambert said.

The ex-Southampton played was with the Reds youth team before his release in 1997 for professional football, he joined Blackpool afterwards before playing in the ranks of Macclesfield, Stockport, Rochdale and Bristol Rovers; he joined Southampton in 2009.

"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,'' the Liverpool born Lambert added

Lambert appeared in 235 games for the Saints, scoring 117 goals from the time he joined to when he signed for Liverpool and will be appearing in his first World Cup, he has 2 goals in four England caps.

"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 striker concluded.

The acquisition of the 32 year-old is a welcome event in the club, the manager Brendan Rodgers complimented the player's move when he 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 was probably seen as the traditional big number nine, a British striker that is good in the air. But he's one of the most accomplished footballers I've seen.

"It has been so refreshing that he's got his call into the England team, and he certainly hasn't let anyone down - he has been outstanding.

"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,'' Rodgers added.

Lambert played for the youth team of Liverpool and hoped to play for the Reds then, even though he left for other clubs, he had the club in his heart as a supporter, at a retiring age of 32, he can now play for his childhood club, even if it will be for just a season.