Joe Allen spoke of his confidence that Brendan Rodgers can return Liverpool to the top of English football after completing his transfer from Swansea City.
The 22-year-old has been reunited with his former boss after undergoing a medical at Melwood and signing a long-term contract to become LFC's second summer signing following the arrival of Fabio Borini.
Allen granted his first interview to Liverpoolfc.com and explained how his belief in Rodgers was key to the move being finalized.
"Look at the players and staff, and obviously the supporters, and everything is there for us to be successful," said the Wales international.
"I'm looking forward to being part of some great years ahead for Liverpool Football Club.
"I have a lot of faith that Brendan Rodgers can bring success, that's one of the reasons I'm here. I wanted to be part of this project, his project, and I've really got a good feeling — as I'm sure all the players here have — that this football club is going to go from strength to strength in the next couple of seasons.
"Brendan is so passionate about his football. He works day in, day out to improve the team and everyone individually. Everyone wants to work alongside someone who has that way about them.
"One of his best things is his man management, it's second to none. He commands the respect of everyone and it's no different for me.
"To join back up with him was definitely a big pull for me."
Signing for Liverpool completes a remarkable journey through the ranks of English football for Allen.
He made his league debut for Swansea in a 6-3 League One defeat to Blackpool as a 17-year-old in 2007.
Over the coming seasons the midfielder would help the Swans reach the Barclays Premier League and this summer he represented Team GB in the Olympic Games.
Asked if he would have believed five years ago that this day would come, Allen replied, "No, probably not.
"It was hard to believe at first and very flattering to be linked to a top club like this. It shows you're doing something right, I guess.
"I've always been ambitious and wanting to get to the top but getting there is a completely different thing. It's definitely hard to believe. It's been a quick rise for me."
Though a progression from Football League player to Premier League star is not as common as it once was, Allen believes all those trips to stadiums like Bloomfield Road gave him an ideal grounding.
"I think if you look at the amount of games I've played for someone my age, that would probably only happen at a team that's come through the leagues," he said.
"That experience has been vital for me. I blossomed and improved because of that and I wouldn't change it for the world."
Swansea's rise to the top flight means Allen has already played in front of a capacity Anfield crowd when Rodgers led the south Wales club to a goalless draw last term.
The day left quite an impression on our new boy.
"The whole atmosphere at this ground is very rare," he said. "The passion that people here have for football is something I share and I want to be part of that. It's another part of the pull to this great club.
"As a Swansea player, that was one of the days you really remembered from last season. To get the chance to be here and have that as my home ground is a special feeling.
"I can't wait to experience the famous Liverpool support.
"I can't really imagine how I'll feel playing at Anfield right now. I'm excited about that prospect and witnessing the Anfield atmosphere and spirit, and being part of the home team, I'm sure it will be incredible."
Swansea's midfield was lauded by neutrals last term as Rodgers' brand of possession-based football secured a debut season finish of 11th despite a limited budget.
Now Allen will find himself on the same teamsheet as midfielders such as Lucas Leiva and Steven Gerrard.
"It's hard to believe," he said. "You find yourself pinching yourself.
"These are the kind of players I've grown up watching and trying to emulate. To get the chance to be playing alongside them is a fantastic feeling and it's only going to enhance my game.
"It's an opportunity for me personally. I've always been ambitious and wanted to play at the highest level I possibly could. When you see an opportunity like this it's almost impossible to turn it down.
"I'm someone who wants to be the best I can be. Every day, in training or in matches, I always want to improve. You'll always get 100 per cent out of me and I'm really looking forward to gelling with the top-class players who are here and doing my bit for the club.
"It's a proud day for me and my family. They have supported me through thick and thin for so long that this is as much a reward for them as it is for me.
"I feel proud, I'm really thrilled and I'm looking forward to my time here."
Photo via Liverpoolfc.com
