By Siobhan McCall
It looks as if things are finally starting to fall into place for Liverpool. Yesterday, the news that Joe Cole was set to join the Reds on a free transfer raised spirits, especially as Champions League sides Arsenal and Spurs had both expressed interest in the former Chelsea star. And today, Steven Gerrard gave his seal of approval to Liverpool’s new no 7 and also gave the biggest hint yet that he will remain a Red, stating that it will be;
fantastic to play alongside him in a red shirt for Liverpool
Gerrard has been linked with a move away from Anfield throughout the last few months. Real Madrid looked to be the most likely destination, especially as their new manager Jose Mourinho is a big fan of the Liverpool captain and he, twice, almost signed Gerrard during his spell at Chelsea. Liverpool, however, made it clear to Real that their prize midfielder was not for sale and Los Galacticos president Florentino Perez was apparently put off by both his age and valuation, with Liverpool reportedly asking for £58m.
This news will come as a relief to Liverpool fans and it also suggests that Roy Hodgson may indeed be the right man for the job. Gerrard hinted to the Liverpool Echo that the former Fulham boss may have played a crucial role in his decision to stay at the club, declaring how he is;
very impressed with his plans for the future
He did, however, suggest that he had not thought about moving away from Merseyside and added;
I made it clear that I simply needed to concentrate on the World Cup and then have a decent holiday with my family. I wanted the chance to meet Roy Hodgson privately.
While it remains to be seen whether Joe Cole will become one of Liverpool’s legendary no 7’s, his arrival at the club has certainly added some much needed optimism for the coming season. When he’s on form, Cole is one of the most naturally talented wingers in the Premiership, and the combination of him, Gerrard and Fernando Torres could give Liverpool a lethal attack.
So here’s hoping that up next there will be some word from Fernando Torres about his future to complete a hat trick of good news for the Reds.
