Post by PureOldGold on Jul 29, 2008 19:23:42 GMT -1
Robbie Keane insists he was right to snub Liverpool for Wolves at the age of 14 – because his spell at Molineux ‘made’ him as a player.
The Republic of Ireland captain has agreed a four-year deal at Anfield, signing in a £20.3m move from Tottenham.
The 28-year-old striker believes he wouldn’t be the player he is today without his spell at Molineux, where he scored 24 goals in 74 games before his £6m switch to Coventry in 1999.
He said: “I had the opportunity to join Liverpool when I was 14. I could have signed but I just thought, at the age I was, I might have a better chance of playing first-team football at Wolves and that’s how it worked out.
“I don’t regret it, because I got into the Wolves team when I was just 17. I never regret things in life. By being at Wolves and going to the clubs I’ve been to, these things have led me to where I am today.”
Keane believes the time is right to join the Anfield giants now.
He said: “It’s a dream come true. I’ve been a massive fan all my life and to be sat here today is overwhelming.
“Liverpool came in for me and it was something I always dreamed about as a kid.
“The last four years have been great for me and I believe I am at my peak.
I’m at a good age and if I didn’t come to Liverpool now, maybe the opportunity wouldn’t come again.
“It has worked out perfectly for me and, hopefully, for Liverpool as well. I am at the stage now where I want to kick on and win a lot of trophies.
“I believe Liverpool can do that with the squad of players we have.”
Keane is relishing the prospect of teaming up with Fernando Torres.
He said: “He has been a revelation since he came to the Premier League. He was absolutely outstanding last year and also in Euro 2008 with Spain.”
“It’s hard to leave Tottenham with some of the players they had – like Dimitar Berbatov, who I had a great relationship with – but Torres is probably the best striker in the world right now.
“Hopefully we can play a lot and do well.”
Keane should play just off Torres, hoping to bridge the gap between midfield and Torres.
He said: “I see myself as a second striker. I can play off the shoulder, link things up and play in the hole.
“You’re always judged on scoring as a striker and I’ve always scored a lot. Hopefully I can continue that at Liverpool.”
Keane is set to be handed the number seven shirt, famously worn by Anfield legends including Kenny Dalglish and Kevin Keegan.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez revealed: “We were talking about the number, and the big names that have had this number, so it will be inspirational for him to have it too.”
Best of luck Robbie.
The Republic of Ireland captain has agreed a four-year deal at Anfield, signing in a £20.3m move from Tottenham.
The 28-year-old striker believes he wouldn’t be the player he is today without his spell at Molineux, where he scored 24 goals in 74 games before his £6m switch to Coventry in 1999.
He said: “I had the opportunity to join Liverpool when I was 14. I could have signed but I just thought, at the age I was, I might have a better chance of playing first-team football at Wolves and that’s how it worked out.
“I don’t regret it, because I got into the Wolves team when I was just 17. I never regret things in life. By being at Wolves and going to the clubs I’ve been to, these things have led me to where I am today.”
Keane believes the time is right to join the Anfield giants now.
He said: “It’s a dream come true. I’ve been a massive fan all my life and to be sat here today is overwhelming.
“Liverpool came in for me and it was something I always dreamed about as a kid.
“The last four years have been great for me and I believe I am at my peak.
I’m at a good age and if I didn’t come to Liverpool now, maybe the opportunity wouldn’t come again.
“It has worked out perfectly for me and, hopefully, for Liverpool as well. I am at the stage now where I want to kick on and win a lot of trophies.
“I believe Liverpool can do that with the squad of players we have.”
Keane is relishing the prospect of teaming up with Fernando Torres.
He said: “He has been a revelation since he came to the Premier League. He was absolutely outstanding last year and also in Euro 2008 with Spain.”
“It’s hard to leave Tottenham with some of the players they had – like Dimitar Berbatov, who I had a great relationship with – but Torres is probably the best striker in the world right now.
“Hopefully we can play a lot and do well.”
Keane should play just off Torres, hoping to bridge the gap between midfield and Torres.
He said: “I see myself as a second striker. I can play off the shoulder, link things up and play in the hole.
“You’re always judged on scoring as a striker and I’ve always scored a lot. Hopefully I can continue that at Liverpool.”
Keane is set to be handed the number seven shirt, famously worn by Anfield legends including Kenny Dalglish and Kevin Keegan.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez revealed: “We were talking about the number, and the big names that have had this number, so it will be inspirational for him to have it too.”
Best of luck Robbie.
