Rickie Lambert secures dream move to Liverpool, saying ‘I have always dreamed of playing here’

ENGLAND striker Rickie Lambert has joined Liverpool for a reported fee of $6.7 million, strengthening the team's attacking options.

FILE - This is a Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 file photo of England's Rickie Lambert celebrates after scoring a goal during the World Cup group H qualifier soccer match between England and Moldova at Wembley Stadium in London. England striker Rickie Lambert Monday June 2, 2014 joined Liverpool from Southampton for a reported fee of 4 million pounds ($6.7 million), strengthening the team’s attacking options ahead of its return to the Champions League. Released by his boyhood club as a 15-year-old, Lambert returns to Anfield after spending most of his career as a journeyman in England’s lower leagues before making his name with Southampton since 2009. (AP Photo/Sang Tan, File)

ENGLAND striker Rickie Lambert has joined Liverpool from Southampton for a reported fee of $6.7 million, strengthening the team's attacking options ahead of its return to the Champions League.

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Released by his boyhood club as a 15-year-old, Lambert returns to Anfield after spending most of his career as a journeyman in England's lower leagues before making his name with Southampton since 2009.

The 32-year-old is now one of the Premier League's most prolific strikers and muscled his way into the England squad last year in time to be selected for the upcoming World Cup in Brazil.

He provides competition up front for Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, with Liverpool needing more strikers in its squad after qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in five years.

Lambert was delighted to make Anfield his new home.

“I can’t believe it. I’ve loved this club all my life. I left here 17 years ago - and I haven’t stopped loving it since,” he told the Liverpool FC website.

“I have always dreamt of playing for Liverpool, but I did kind of think the chance of playing for them had gone. I didn’t think the chance would come.

“I know how big Liverpool are - and it means everything to me - but I know what is important; I know it’s what I do on the pitch and the minutes I play. I know that’s what matters, and that’s what I’ll be focused on.”