OFFICIAL: Stewart Downing joins Liverpool from Aston Villa
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Liverpool have finally signed England winger Stewart Downing from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £20 million.
The 26-year-old, who has been capped 27 times by England, made it clear only last month that he would not sign an extension with Villa, effectively forcing them to listen to offers.
"It's a great feeling and I'm very happy to be here. It's been a long time coming and I've had to wait a few weeks, but I'm really pleased to be here," Downing told Liverpool's website.
"With the tradition, the manager and the players they have here, there was a big temptation to come here and once I knew of their interest, there was only one place I wanted to go.
"It will be a great feeling to run out at Anfield. It's always nice to come and play here. The atmosphere is always great and the fans are brilliant.
"When I wanted to come to Liverpool, it was the first thing I thought of - playing at Anfield in front of those great fans. I'm really looking forward to it."
Downing becomes Kenny Dalglish's fourth summer signing following the arrivals of Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Alexander Doni.
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| Stewart Downing poses with his new Liverpool jersey Photo: liverpoolfc.tv |
The 26-year-old, who has been capped 27 times by England, made it clear only last month that he would not sign an extension with Villa, effectively forcing them to listen to offers.
And Villa confirmed earlier this week that Downing had submitted a formal transfer request and he travelled to Liverpool to discuss terms and complete a medical before penning a four-year contract worth £80,000 a week.
"It's a great feeling and I'm very happy to be here. It's been a long time coming and I've had to wait a few weeks, but I'm really pleased to be here," Downing told Liverpool's website.
"With the tradition, the manager and the players they have here, there was a big temptation to come here and once I knew of their interest, there was only one place I wanted to go.
"It will be a great feeling to run out at Anfield. It's always nice to come and play here. The atmosphere is always great and the fans are brilliant.
"When I wanted to come to Liverpool, it was the first thing I thought of - playing at Anfield in front of those great fans. I'm really looking forward to it."
Downing becomes Kenny Dalglish's fourth summer signing following the arrivals of Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Alexander Doni.
