By Ross Mackiewicz.
Liverpool’s new signing Joe Cole has described his new club as “the biggest in the country.” The 28 year olds contract at Chelsea expired at the turn of the month after completing a seven year stint with the Londoners where he won a number of honours including the club’s first ever double. Speculation had mounted for months as to whose team colours the England man would be adorning. However despite no Champions League football at Anfield this season Cole opted to sign for The Reds due to the size and magnitude of the Merseyside club.
He has signed a four year contract with wages at around £90,000 per week. He went onto reveal that he endeared to the club five years ago during Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final against the five time European Cup winners where the atmosphere from the Anfield faithful gave him Goosebumps.
“I tried to take everything out of the equation, take the financial and location side out and just thought in football terms.” Cole said.
“I thought about the semi-final of the Champions League in 2005 when I ran on to the field and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I was thinking about playing in that atmosphere every week and that swung it for me.”
“I know I have made the right decision and I am looking forward to the challenge. I have played in London all my life. I could have stayed at Chelsea because the fans loved me and I won things, but I wanted to challenge myself and when I knew Liverpool were interested it was a no-brainer because they are the biggest club in the country.”
Cole’s remarks may come as a surprise to those at Stamford Bridge as he has more or less branded his transfer as a step up from Chelsea. The Blues were unwilling to meet with Cole’s wage demands which have subsequently opened the door for Liverpool to grab his signature.
Cole has been impressed with manager Roy Hodgson as he outlined the clubs plans. He believes with the calibre of player at the manager’s disposal with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres leaves the club are in good stead for the new season.
“The club finished seventh last year, which wasn’t good enough, and the manager explained where the club wants to go.” Cole revealed.
“I jumped on board because with the players we have here and the players we are looking to bring in. it’s definitely going in the right direction.”
Cole went onto to express his excitement of linking up with Fernando Torres as well as how proud he is to be a part of Liverpool Football Club.
“We have talked about positions in the team and types of formations Roy wants to play and I just want to be part of the team.” said Cole.
“I want to go out there and to run and fight for the lads and the fans. That’s what I’ll always do and Roy is the man who can make sure we are a nice unit as a team.”
“I am excited about playing with Fernando and obviously I know Stevie (Gerrard), Carra (Jamie Carragher) and Jonno (Glen Johnson) from the England set-up. Pepe Reina, Alberto Aquilani – there are a lot of big-name players here but I will need time to settle down and relax into the club. I am proud to be playing for this club and will give my all in every training session and every game to help the club be successful and put some pots in the trophy cabinet.”
What do you make of Joe’s comments? Are Liverpool the biggest football club in the country? Has he made the right move? Let us know.
