England winger Stewart Downing completed his £20 million ($32 million) transfer from Aston Villa to Liverpool on Friday after passing a medical, the Anfield giants announced.
The 26-year-old, who has played 27 times for England, becomes Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish’s fourth major signing of the summer following Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Alexander Doni.
“It’s a great feeling and I’m very happy to be here,” Downing told www.liverpoolfc.tv.
“It’s been a long time coming and I’ve had to wait a few weeks, but I’m really pleased to be here.
“With the tradition, the manager and the players they have here, there was a big temptation to come and once I knew of their interest, there was only one place I wanted to go.”
Liverpool are believed to have paid £20 million ($32 million) for the winger after Villa had already rejected bids of £12 million ($19.3 million) and £15 million ($24.2 million).
Now Downing is determined to repay Dalglish’s faith in bringing him to Merseyside.
“It would be nice to win something. I’m sure that’s the same objective for everyone, not just me personally,” he said.
“My aim is to be in the team, to play well and give something back because the manager has pushed the boat out to get me here, so hopefully I can give him something back.”
Earlier Friday, Liverpool signed Brazilian goalkeeper Doni from Roma on a free transfer.
The 31-year-old will act as understudy to the Reds’ Spanish first-choice Jose Reina.
Director of football Damien Comolli admitted it was essential to sign a more experienced deputy for Reina.
“We are delighted to sign Doni,” said Comolli. “We are getting a very experienced goalkeeper who is used to handling the pressure of big games and international matches with Brazil.
–With The Daily Star inpu
