Liverpool FC Fan Web

Real Madrid 0 - Liverpool 1- A great away performance!

2009-02-25T18:21:00.000-08:00

Liverpool confounded the odds with a stunning 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Bernabeu.

It all happened 8 minutes from time when the tie looks like going for a nil-nil draw.

Gabriel Heinze's foul on Kuyt gave Fabio Aurelio the opportunity to curl in a free-kick that Benayoun headed past Casillas from six yards.

Benayoun was engulfed by his jubilant team-mates and way up above them, 3,000 Liverpool fans erupted.

Just as predicted, congrats!

Real Madrid vs Liverpool prediction

2009-02-24T18:55:00.000-08:00

I would love to see Liverpool run out 1-0 winner tonite! What do you think?

Portsmouth 2 - Liverpool 3

2009-02-07T15:29:00.000-08:00

Thanks goodness for El-Nino! Fernando Torres came off the bench to score an injury-time winner in a 3-2 victory against Portsmouth and send Liverpool to the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Torres only came on with 15 minutes to go and by that time his side were chasing the win after David Nugent's opener had been cancelled out by Fabio Aurelio.

Liverpool now leads the league one point ahead of Man Utd with the devils having 2 matches in hand. Hopefully West Ham will steal some points tonite!

Without Gerrard & Torres tonite?

2009-02-06T19:22:00.000-08:00

Portsmouth vs Liverpool is tonight!

Hopefully Liverpool will rise to the occasion and beat Pompey on their home ground to show that we can win without Stevie G and the tired Torres!

Martin Skrtel will be back by Christmas!

2008-10-07T19:10:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness! I hope he will be back at his best. We don't want Sammi to play all the games at his age right?

Liverpool have revealed defender Martin Skrtel does not need an operation on his right knee and should return to action by Christmas.

The Slovakian centre-back damaged his posterior cruciate ligament in Sunday's 3-2 win at Manchester City and had a scan yesterday afternoon.

Man City 2 - Liverpool 3

2008-10-07T00:26:00.000-07:00

What a comeback by the Reds! I thought we are heading for the first defeat of the season when City is up 2-nil at half time. But what is 2-0 down compared to 3-0 down at Istanbul? Haha

BTW, I wished Torres got a hattrick in this match.

Here is a video from youtube:

Hopefully Liverpool will make a prolong challenge for the crown this season!

Wonderful Torres strike put Liverpool through to last 8 of Champions League!f

2008-03-11T20:49:00.000-07:00

He controlled the ball perfectly, let it bounce and then strike it with such accuracy that it went past the goal keeper near post. Wonderful!

The draw for the quarters will be done shortly and I really hope that we will be drawn against Chelsea! Now that will be a great match.

Or maybe the 4 English clubs will avoid each other an set up a all English semifinal of the ECL. Wow.

Special Stevie G interview 5th Mac 2008

2008-03-06T02:28:00.000-08:00

Captain marvel talks about the current season, hope and about the future.

Liverpool 4- West Ham 0 - Torres Hattrick Again!

2008-03-06T02:19:00.000-08:00

Torres, the shining light of Liverpool's season, became only the fourth player in the club's history to score hat-tricks in successive home matches.

The movie here is the Gerard's goal to make it 4-0! Go, Liverpool!

Now Newcastle awaits on Saturday. Welcome Back Owen!

Liverpool 3- Boro 2 - Torres Hattrick!

2008-02-23T23:59:00.000-08:00

Fernando 'El Nino' Torres hat-trick rounded off a perfect week for Liverpool.

The Spaniard struck two goals in as many minutes midway through the first half following Tuncay's shock opener for Middlesbrough.

And Torres rounded off his treble on 61 minutes to kill off Gareth Southgate's men.

Inter's Dangerman Zlatan Ibrahimovic.!

2008-02-17T20:29:00.001-08:00

The main threat to Liverpool's chances on Tuesday revolve around giant Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The striker has blossomed since his move to Inter Milan from Juventus in 2006 and is the Champions League's joint-top scorer with five goals.

He is in the hottest form of his career and has scored 14 goals in just 19 Serie A appearances this season.

Keeping Argentine star Hernon Crespo quiet will also be a daunting task for Rafa's troops.

#Hopefully Carra will get a good game and will mark him out of the game!

Finnan still confident of a better showing againts Inter

2008-02-17T20:24:00.000-08:00

Steve Finnan believes Liverpool can overcome their recent dip in form in time to add Inter Milan to the list of top European sides to have suffered at the hands of the Reds in the Champions League over recent years.

With Inter currently running away with their domestic league having not lost a game all season, Finnan accepts Liverpool will kick-off the last 16 clash this week as underdogs to book their place in the quarter finals.

But with so many of Europe's elite clubs having suffered at the hands of Rafael Benitez's side over the last few years, the Reds' full-back insists there's nothing to fear against the Nerazzurri.

"Obviously Inter are a massive obstacle and they're going to be really tough to beat but we think if we play like we have in the last couple of seasons then we can go through," said Finnan.

"Some people have us down as the underdogs because of the form we've been in and the fact they're top of the league. That's maybe not a bad thing for us because it's been the same before most of the best European nights we've had in my time at Liverpool.

"Juve, Milan in Istanbul, Chelsea and Barcelona were all expected to beat us and none of them were able to do it. None of them deserved to do it either.

"If we approach this game with the same mentality then we'll be tough for anybody to beat."

Meanwhile, Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso is also confident Liverpool can turn the current form book upside down and record another glorious chapter in the club's European history.

"We've got the players and the belief to beat Inter," he said. "I know a lot about Inter and I've watched them really closely since the draw for the Champions League was made.

"Their victory over AC Milan just before the mid-winter break showed what they're all about. They were 1-0 down against their rivals but turned it around to record a 2-1 victory. Roberto Mancini was a great footballer and is obviously a decent manager.

"Inter are on a great winning run and it certainly won't be easy. But we all know there are no simple ties when you progress beyond the early rounds.

"Last year we won our section and ended up playing Barcelona. Now we've got Inter after finishing as runners-up. That's the charm of the competition.

"We want to win it again and to do that we've obviously got to start by overcoming Inter. It's a massive competition and this is another huge game."

via http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/

Liverpool 1-Barnsley 2 !

2008-02-16T20:46:00.000-08:00

Sad day for the Anfield faithful.

#The Reds are out of the FA cup and are only left with the Champions League trophy to hope for this season. But somehow I felt that we are going to do great in the Champions League!.

Wigan 0 - Benayoun 1

2007-09-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

Rafa Benitez should be thankful for his lucky stars for a lucky 1 nil win at the JJB stadium yesterday.

Benayoun on as a substitute at the hour mark provide the goals in a moment of pure class to give the lucky Reds a precious win.

Torres did make a start for Liverpool but was unable to capitalise on 2 clear one-to-one chances on both half, and was well shackled by the wigan's defender through out the game.

Reading 2 - Liverpool 4 Torres hits first hat-trick!

2007-09-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

Fernando Torres hit a second-half hat-trick to earn Liverpool a 4-2 win and a place in the fourth round of the Carling Cup and send a timely reminder to coach Rafael Benitez.

After starting the last 2 games from the bench. Torres gave a timely remainder to Rafa that a 20 million striker belongs in the pitch scoring goals for fun!

Liverpool 0 - Birmingham City 0

2007-09-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

Pics Source: AFP

Liverpool did their own title hopes no good with a goalless draw against Birmingham at Anfield.

The Reds, starting just two points behind the Gunners, struggled to open up Steve Bruce's team in a goalless first half, with John Arne Riise's first-time shot the closest they came.

Full news

Rafa's policy of rotation still remains to be a problem because leaving your 20 million striker on the bench is not a good thing to do when playing a promoted side like Birmingham City. Put your first team out and when you are leading then take your stars out for a rest! Common Rafa!

Porto 1-1 Liverpool: 10-man Reds hang on

2007-09-18T17:34:00.000-07:00

Liverpool escaped with a precious point from a dreadful performance in their opening Champions League Group A clash against Porto in the Estadio Dragao.

Gerrard wonderful strike put Liverpool on a great start!

2007-08-12T04:51:00.000-07:00

After Barry had scored the penalty, gerrard seems not happy with the score being 1-1!

He got that look on his eyes!

After he won the freekick, No WAY he will let risse take the freekick! Alonso? Move aside!

enjoy..

you are great Stevie!

Kuyt: I can be Kop legend

2007-08-09T05:11:00.000-07:00

Dirk Kuyt want to emulate Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen as the Kop Legends and aim to score 20 goals plus this season. But personally speaking, i think it is hard to any of the Liverpool striker to score 20 goals because of Rafa rotation policy and defensive approach towards away match just like last season..

The Dutchman scored 14 times last term, but the £9million striker aims to top the 20-goal mark this time around.

He said: 'Players like Robbie and Michael Owen are known as some of the best strikers Liverpool has ever had, and it's good for me to be able to have the chance to join those names.

'I want to be seen as a Liverpool goalscorer, and now I can't wait to show it.'

Kuyt has potentially two new strike partners following the arrivals of Fernando Torres and Andriy Voronin, who have effectively replaced Fowler and Craig Bellamy, who both left Anfield this summer.

And Kuyt believes that having a full pre-season can only benefit his game, after his transfer from Feyenoord disrupted his preparations last year.

Talking to the Liverpool Echo, he said: 'I'm sure I will get better this season. Last year I didn't have a full pre-season or know the rest of the lads or the club so well.

'Now I'm more settled and any difficulties when starting at a new club are behind me. I can focus 100% on my football and I have a good feeling about this season.'

He added: 'I scored a lot of goals in Holland, but England is totally different because it's so much more difficult.

'I believe I can do here what I did in Holland, but I also think I can do more for the team than just score goals. It's important for me to do whatever job is asked, working hard or making assists.

'Last season was different for me, getting used to different partners in attack and also playing against better defenders.

'The Premier League has some of the best defenders in the world and you need to get used to that, but I'm looking forward to this season even more than last.'

Kuyt also plans to become more adaptable given the varied playing styles among Rafael Benitez's strikeforce this season.

He said: 'Andriy and Fernando are different strikers to Robbie Fowler and Craig, so I may play in a different role.

'Fernando likes to come deeper for the ball, so if I play alongside him there's the chance for me to play higher up the park, which I enjoy. That's more how I was used to playing with Feyenoord.

'It all depends who I play alongside, of course, but what's most important is to play, win the games and help as many players as possible to score goals.'

Torres Scored in 2-0 win over Shanghai FC

2007-08-03T19:59:00.000-07:00

Fernando Torres scored his first Liverpool goal as the Reds cruised to a comfortable victory in the opening match of the Rotterdam tournament.

The Chinese side were outclassed in every department and Liverpool were able to stroll through the game, although they will find it a little more difficult against hosts Feyenoord on Sunday.

Manager Rafael Benitez will be happy with the work-out and the fact £20million signing Torres has got off the mark before the Premier League season starts next weekend.

But captain Steven Gerrard stole the show with a curling 20-yard shot for the second.

Torres' goal came after 13 minutes from a Yossi Benayoun pass and Liverpool were never under pressure from that moment.

Benitez sent on a clutch of substitutes and Gerrard bagged his cracker just two minutes after arriving on the pitch.

Liverpool started with very much their second string in the De Kuip stadium, with only Steve Finnan and Torres in the starting line-up likely to be in Benitez's first choice outfit.

Sebastian Leto, now with a European passport, made his debut on the left wing and looked neat and lively, while Lucas Leiva -- the Brazil Under-20 captain -- made his first start having played as a substitute in Hong Kong last weekend.

David Martin played in goal as Scott Carson had been left on Merseyside having picked up a training injury.

Shanghai had former Everton defender Li Weifeng and ex-Middlesbrough striker Hamilton Ricard in their side, while Benitez would also have known Uruguayan striker Diego Alonso, who was at Valencia under the Liverpool coach but was sent out on loan for three successive seasons.

Liverpool were ahead after just 13 minutes when new boys Yossi Benayoun and Torres combined well.

Benayoun flicked a clever ball into the box for Torres to move into clear space before lifting the ball over keeper Chan Zhang.

Mohamed Sissoko had a couple of wild efforts in the first half that went wide but the game was being played at training pace.

It took the arrival of Steven Gerrard after 61 minutes, replacing Sissoko, to liven things up.

He had only been on the pitch two minutes before he curled a 20-yarder into the top corner.

Ex-Ajax winger Ryan Babel took over from Peter Crouch, with Alvaro Arbeloa, Javier Mascherano and Dirk Kuyt replacing Finnan, Torres and Leiva soon after.

Babel, who received a predictable reception from the Feyenoord fans, had a fine drive blocked by Zhang, while Kuyt's arrival was far more to the liking of the Rotterdam public.

The striker was a hero in these parts before his £9million move to Anfield a year ago, and he set about producing the sort of all-action display that is his trademark.

South China 1-3 Liverpool: Voronin shines

2007-07-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

Liverpool set up a Barclays Asia Trophy final clash with Portsmouth after seeing off a spirited South China outfit 3-1.

A side with skipper Steven Gerrard and summer signings Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel were given a testing examination as goals from John Arne Riise, Xabi Alonso and Daniel Agger finally saw off the hosts at Hong Kong Stadium.

Riise opened the scoring after nine minutes with a trademark blistering free-kick from the edge of the area that left keeper Zhang Chunhui with little chance as it arrowed its way into the top corner.

Harry Kewell's ball into the box caused panic in the South China defence shortly afterwards and the ball broke to Andriy Voronin but the Ukraine striker could not apply the finish.

Jose Luis' side then nearly grabbed an equaliser as first an inswinging corner was cleared almost off the line before the Liverpool defence misjudged a deep cross but Bai Hei spooned his shot wide when well placed.

Liverpool cruise in friendly win over Auxerre

2007-07-21T06:46:00.000-07:00

Liverpool eased to a 2-0 victory over French side Auxerre in a low-key friendly in Switzerland.

Recent signings Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun were handed their first starts for the Reds while young Bulgarian goalkeeper Nikolay Mihaylov also came in, but both sides struggled to muster any cohesive football in a poor first half.

But Liverpool managed to go into the interval ahead when Steven Gerrard finished off the game's first flowing move just seconds before half-time.

Babel cleverly dummied a ball in from the right, leaving the Reds skipper to fire home clinically from the edge of the box.

Glad to hear that Liverpool are doing great in the friendlies. Hope the new signing will gel well with the rest of the players esp Gerard..

Aurelio to miss start of season

2007-07-17T19:27:00.000-07:00

Source: Soccernet.com
Fabio Aurelio is unlikely to be fit in time for the start of the Premier League season, according to Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.

The 27-year-old Brazilian left-back ruptured his Achilles tendon during a Champions League tie against Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven in April.

Benitez told the club's website: 'Fabio isn't fit. It could be another month before he recovers. We knew it would be a long time when he got injured.

'He is improving, but it is not easy when you have this kind of injury.'

Aurelio joined Liverpool from Valencia last summer on a free transfer and made 25 appearances last season.

Voronin upstages new Liverpool recruits

2007-07-17T19:13:00.000-07:00

Source: Soccernet.com
Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel made their Liverpool debuts but were upstaged by fellow new recruit Andriy Voronin in the 3-2 defeat of Werder Bremen in Grenchen, Switzerland.

Summer signing Voronin and John Arne Riise helped the Reds to a 2-1 half-time lead before Voronin extended the advantage in the second half.

Torres, Babel and Yossi Benayoun were all introduced as second-half substitutes.

Liverpool enjoyed the perfect start as Voronin produced a cool finish after intercepting a poor pass and rounding the goalkeeper.

Kevin Schindler equalised for the Bundesliga side barely two minutes later.

However, Riise produced a trademark thunderbolt to restore the lead with a free-kick from distance which goalkeeper Tim Wiese should arguably have handled better.

Fifteen minutes into the second half Ukrainian Voronin, a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen, put the game beyond Werder with a cunning finish after a brilliant Xabi Alonso pass.

Torres then replaced Voronin and saw chances of his own come and go before Hugo Almeida's late consolation for the Germans.

Reds agree £11.5m Babel deal

2007-07-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

Liverpool have reached agreement with Ajax Amsterdam to sign forward Ryan Babel for £11.5million, the Dutch club said on Thursday. 'The striker, who had a contract until 2010 will sign a five-year deal with the Champions League finalists,' Ajax said.

For those who are not sure of Mr. Babel capabilities, watch the movie clip below:

Are you convinced yet?

Go liverpool!

Ajax demand £13m for Reds target Babel

2007-07-11T03:18:00.000-07:00

Liverpool will step up their pursuit of Holland Under-21 and Ajax forward Ryan Babel today after the Dutch club revealed their valuation of the rising star to be £13.5million.

The Reds were reported to have made an initial offer of £10million for the 20-year-old and, although the two sides have been in talks, no fee has yet been agreed.

Ajax technical director Martin van Geel has told Liverpool the amount his club wanted for a player who lit up the recent Under-21 European Championships in Holland.

'We have told them what we want, and that's €20million (£13.5m). That is our price,' Van Geel said.

'We would like to see Babel play here next season, it's not for nothing that we have extended his contract until June 2010. But if these kind of clubs want to pay us these figures it says something.

'We will see if we can reach a deal in the coming days.'

Even after spending £20million on club-record signing Fernando Torres, it appears the Liverpool's American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are willing to continue backing manager Rafael Benitez in the transfer market.

And Babel is not likely to be the last arrival at Anfield as Liverpool have finally agreed a fee with West Ham for midfielder Yossi Benayoun - just hours after striker Craig Bellamy moved in the opposite direction - and have also been linked with Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze.

->> Wow 13.5Million Pound.. i guess if you have a rich owner, then everyone knows you have the money to burn and will not sell their star player cheaply..isn't it true mr. Mourinho?

I think 13.5 million is way too much for a winger..but if he is equal or better than c. ronaldo then why not? what do you think?

Goodbye Bellamy! Thanks a lot..

2007-07-10T05:16:00.000-07:00

Bellamy seals £7.5million move to West Ham

West Ham have confirmed the signing of Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy for a club record fee of £7.5million.

Bellamy, 28 next week, agreed a five-year deal at Upton Park after it was made clear he had no future at Anfield following the arrival of Spain international Fernando Torres.

The transfer was agreed on Friday but was delayed over the weekend as Bellamy thrashed out contractual issues with Liverpool.

The Wales captain is West Ham's fourth summer signing and takes manager Alan Curbishley's spending since he arrived at Upton Park in December to nearly £40million.

The deal for Bellamy breaks West Ham's previous transfer record of £7.25million, which the Hammers paid Norwich for Dean Ashton in January 2006.

Bellamy joins midfielders Scott Parker and Julien Faubert plus goalkeeper Richard Wright in signing for the Hammers this summer.

Curbishley had previously targeted Darren Bent and had a £17million offer accepted by Charlton, only for the England striker to reject the Hammers for Tottenham.

Okay, lets take a look at Bellamy record:

We can see that Bellamy did not play that many games due to Rafa rotation policy..a mere 7 goals in 27 matches..surely Mr. Torres can do better than that? What do you think?

Goodbye bellamy..and good luck in Upton Park.

Ajax prepared to sell Babel to Liverpool

2007-07-10T05:12:00.000-07:00

Liverpool and Ajax are set to strike a deal for talented winger Ryan Babel in the coming days according to the Dutch club - but only if the Merseysiders meet their £13.5million asking price.

The Amsterdammers' technical director Martin van Geel admitted talks between the clubs had taken place but that a fee had not yet been agreed.

Van Geel told AD Sportwereld: 'Liverpool is willing to pay a huge sum for Ryan.

'We have told them what we want, and that's 20million euros (£13.5m). That is our price.

'We would like to see Babel play here next season, it's not for nothing that we have extended his contract until June 2010. But if these kind of clubs want to pay us these figures it says something.

'We will see if we can reach a deal in the coming days.'

Babel, who starred for Holland in the recent Under-21 European Championships, admitted it was 'very nice' that Liverpool had expressed an interest in taking him to Anfield.

The 20-year-old said: 'I had heard that there were some stories on the internet but that happens quite often.

'This (Liverpool's interest) is serious news to me. I haven't thought about a transfer for a minute, I will do that soon though. That such a big club is interested is of course very nice.'

Babel's agent Winnie Haatrecht issued a note of caution, however, and stated only a move which would benefit his client from a playing point of view would be considered.

Haatrecht said: 'The route is very clear. First Liverpool and Ajax need to get an agreement about a transfer, that's step one.

'After that we want to know what the technical staff of Liverpool has planned for Ryan. The sporting perspective must be totally clear. Only then can Ryan make a good choice.

'Of course Liverpool is a great club. But it must not be that he needs to fight with eight strikers for two positions. We must also look at the development of Ryan.'

Ryan Babel Fact File: (Source : Wikipedia)

Ryan made his Eredivisie debut on February 1, 2004 in AFC Ajax's 4-0 home win over ADO Den Haag.[3] Babel is considered to be one of the greatest talents of the Netherlands, with Marco van Basten praising Babel as the next Thierry Henry.[4] Babel was linked with Arsenal and Newcastle United during the winter transfer window of the 2006-07 season.[5][6] Amidst the transfer speculation, Babel agreed to a new three-year deal with Ajax on February 2, 2007.

On July 10, 2007, it was reported by the BBC that Liverpool made a £13.5m offer to the Amsterdam club. Liverpool F.C. boss Rafa Benitez admitted that he improved on his earlier £10m offer.

Bellamy deal hits a Snag

2007-07-07T18:58:00.000-07:00

Craig Bellamy: Contractual dispute with Anfield club.
West Ham have confirmed that Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy has agreed terms on a £7.5million move to Upton Park but denied reports that the deal has been finalised. Reds boss Rafael Benitez had claimed that a deal for the Wales captain's transfer had been agreed following his side's 3-2 friendly victory over Wrexham.

The Hammers have issued a statement saying the move cannot go through until the a 27-year-old sorts out a 'private contractual issue'' with the Anfield club.

"Hmm.. Whats the problem? I really hope Mr. Bellamy will leave LFC because he can fit in the team that is using rotation on a weekly basis like rafa love to do..although i can forsee him being a good player and score goals in a mid table team like West Ham..sorry hammers.."

Liverpool Squad Today

2007-07-06T18:33:00.000-07:00

Take a look at LFC squad list:

Can this squad win the championship this season?
How many world class player ?

Goodbye Zenden!

2007-07-06T06:54:00.000-07:00

From Soccernet
The former Holland midfielder, released by Liverpool this summer, is expected to sign a two-year contract at OM after completing a medical today.

A statement on the club's official website read: 'Boudewijn Zenden is at Marseille.

'He is currently taking medical exams as a pre-condition to him signing, and should then sign for two years at OM, before being presented to the press.'

Zenden, 30, has played for PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Chelsea, Middlesbrough and Liverpool in a distinguished career.

He plays on the left wing, but can also play in the centre of midfield or at left-back.

His last competitive appearance came in the Reds' 2-1 defeat to AC Milan in the final of last season's Champions League.

He has played 54 times for Holland but not since September 2004.

Marseille qualified for this season's Champions League after finishing second in Ligue 1 last term.

"I personally don't really like zenden, i am not sure why Rafa bought him in the firs place. How can u say zenden is better than garcia? or kewell?"

Reds seal record Torres deal

2007-07-05T00:14:00.000-07:00

From Soccernet
Reds boss Rafael Benitez has brought the Spain international to Anfield in a club record deal, believed to be just under £20million.

The 23-year-old, who side-stepped questions about previous interest from Chelsea, has signed a six-year contract but the size of the fee, coupled with Liverpool's attacking problems last term, mean he will be under pressure to perform immediately.

He has also been handed the club's famous number nine shirt worn by the likes of Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler, but is adamant that will also spur him on.

Torres, who will play alongside the likes of Jose Reina and Xabi Alonso, said: 'Hopefully I can settle as quickly as possible. It will be a help that there are so many Spanish speakers here and also the manager.

'I'll be able to understand them from the word 'go' and let's hope the settling in period is as short as possible.

'I don't see it as a pressure. It's a good responsibility and at the same time, it's a real privilege to have the opportunity to wear the shirt number.

'The fact that Liverpool have given me that number shows they've got a lot of confidence in me and they've got high hopes I will succeed.

'I just hope that I can do well over a good number of years at this club and be remembered in the same way as the guys that have been mentioned.

'I hope I can repay the confidence they've shown in me on the field in seasons to come.'

While many new arrivals claim to have followed their new club all their life, there is no doubting Torres is genuine.

His friends have Liverpool tattoos and he was also pictured with 'We will never walk alone' on the inside of his Atletico Madrid captain's armband last season.

He added: 'A group of my mates and I are all Liverpool fans and we have been for some years.

'A few years back, my friends each got a tattoo on their arm but obviously as a football player, I couldn't really get that tattooed on my arm.

'So on my last birthday they gave me the present of the armband with it written on the underside and it's 'We'll never walk alone'.

'This club is well capable of winning the Premiership and other trophies as they have proved in the past and recent history.

'We will be fighting on all fronts this year.'

Benitez himself was doubly impressed by Torres' desire to move to Anfield and was pleased with reports from his players returning from Spain duty.

He said: 'There is the anecdote with the armband and, maybe I shouldn't say this, but he was talking with some of his team-mates in the national team.

'He said 'ok, if I leave Atletico Madrid I would like to go to Liverpool. Say to Rafa, please say to Rafa!'

'The last season, we knew that (Dirk) Kuyt was our target and this year (Torres) was our target.

'After we reached an agreement with the club, they received a big offer, bigger than our offer, but the player said he wanted to go to Liverpool and he didn't want to hear anyone just to come here. That's the positive thing for me.'

Benitez also hinted that Craig Bellamy may be the striker to pay the price for Torres' arrival at Anfield.

With Andriy Voronin also joining this summer, speculation has increased about the futures of Peter Crouch and Bellamy.

But while Benitez confirmed he wants Crouch to stay, he admitted there is interest from other clubs in Wales international Bellamy.

Asked if Bellamy will be leaving, Benitez said: 'Possibly. We have some clubs asking about him and it's a possibility.

He added: 'The only thing I can say is that Crouch will be staying with us. I have said to Crouch that he must fight for his position and he will stay with us.'

Speculation has also linked Benitez with a controversial move for Manchester United's defender Gabriel Heinze.

But Benitez insists he is concentrating on signing wide midfielders.

He continued: 'Really we are working with wingers. People can talk about a lot of things and a lot of names but we're working on wingers.'

Liverpool FC History

2007-05-16T00:43:00.000-07:00

Liverpool Football Club was formed in 1892 and is rightfully classed as the most successful British club at club level. However our beginnings are a direct result of Everton. Following some rule changes in 1882 Everton were forced to find some enclosed grounds to play and met with John Houlding in the Sandon. A ground was to be positioned off priory Road which was there home until they were forced to leave. In 1884 John Orrel agreed to let Houlding have a pitch at Anfield Road and the first ever game at Anfield saw a home win. Houlding poured money into the cause but after a few years became a harder owner to be with. Eventually Orrel and Houlding move further towards a severe rift and eventually when a plan to buy the ground by Houlding failed, Orrel evicted the club. After a further meeting a breakawy part of the club split from Anfield to form their own team, leaving Anfield empty in the hands of Orrel and Houlding. However those left at the club with Houlding decided the only thing to do with an empty football ground was form a team to play there and in May 1892 Liverpool Association Football Club was formed.
The club began in the Lancashire Association League with John McKenna in charge of the team. McKenna had been one of the men who stayed and sided with Houlding in the split. Liverpool’s first game came on September 1st 1892 against Rotherham and Liverpool won 7-1. This first team saw the eleven players all arriving following a trip north of the border by McKenna who has scottish connections in Glasgow. One year on from formation McKenna again applied for election to the Football league and this time was accepted. Their first game at Anfield in the league saw them dispose of Lincoln 4-0 In fact Liverpool went through the season unbeaten and following a knockout competition they beat one Newton Heath in the final to get there place in the top division. However a disapponting second season saw them bottom of the league and lose the knockout competition to be relegated. A tough fighting spirit at the club though saw them promoted back again the following season. They stayed in the top division for eight years and in season 1900-01 Liverpool won the first of their championships. Two seasons earlier Liverpool had ridded themselves of their blue and white quartered shirts in favour of the now famous red shirts.
The end of the 1903-04 season saw the reds relegated only to return straight away following a championship win again from Division 2 and Liverpool followed this by winning the first division in 1905-06.