Lambert joined Liverpool

Rickie Lambert is now a Liverpool player and has spoken of his love for the club.

"I can't believe it, I've loved this club all my life," he said after his transfer from Southampton was confirmed. "I left here 17 years ago and haven't stopped loving it since.

"I've always dreamt of playing for Liverpool but I did think the chance of playing for them had gone. I didn't think the chance would come.

"I know how big Liverpool are. It means everything to me. I know what is important, Iknow its what I do on the pitch. I know that's what matters and that's what I'll be focused on."

The 32-year-old striker has also sent a thank you message to Southampton fans:

What can I say…? 

 

Southampton has been my life for the past five years, in which we have achieved all of our dreams and more. 

 

First I have to thank Markus Liebherr for saving Southampton then Alan Pardew for bringing me to the club. 

 

Thank you to all the staff involved in making me the player I am today. Without your knowledge and commitment I would not be here right now at a World Cup with England.    

 

Thank you to all the players, past and present, who I have had nothing but good times and success with driven by our club captain, Kelvin Davis. I love every last one of you. 

 

Thank you to the managers I have worked with – Alan, Nigel and Mauricio – and their teams for helping me and Southampton step up and adapt to every challenge that has come our way the past five years. 

 

When I grew up there was only one club I loved. I can honestly say now I have two clubs which will always be in my heart and that is thanks to the Saints fans. 

 

The people who support this club have been nothing short of amazing towards me and, when I look back in years to come, it will be the relationship I had with the fans here which will stand out the most.

 

Southampton have allowed me to realise a lifelong ambition by joining Liverpool FC and taking my family home. The five-year plan when I arrived was to get this club from League 1 to the top half of the Premier League. Against all the odds we have achieved that.