Liverpool Football Club today confirmed the signing of striker Rickie Lambert from Southampton.

The England international, who was on the club’s books as a youth player, has put pen to paper on a deal with the Reds after passing a medical at Melwood.

After signing a contract with Liverpool, Lambert revealed:

“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.”

Lambert arrives from Southampton where he scored an impressive 117 goals in 235 appearances.

He has four caps for England and is part of Roy Hodgson’s World Cup finals squad, alongside new club mates Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Glen Johnson, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling.

Watch Rickie Lambert’s first interview as a Liverpool footballer:

Mobile app users, watch the video here.