Liverpool FC

[Scouser_Dave]

ROBBIE KEANE: THE FIRST INTERVIEW
Jimmy Rice 29 July 2008

In his first interview since signing for Liverpool, Robbie Keane talks cartwheel celebrations, Fernando Torres and the number seven shirt. The lifelong Red also explains why he initially rejected our overtures more than 14 years ago.



Robbie, you're a Liverpool fan – this must be a dream come true?

It is a dream come true. I have been a massive fan all my life and to be sat here today is overwhelming.

Why is now the right time to come to Liverpool?

Because the opportunity came along. You know, Liverpool came in for me and it was something I always dreamed about as a kid. I am at the stage now where I want to kick on a bit and win a lot of trophies. I believe that Liverpool can do that with the squad of players we have.

Is it right you had the opportunity to come here when you were a teenager?

I had the opportunity when I was 14. I could have signed but I just thought that, 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. There has been talk and speculation about a transfer since then but until now it has always been speculation.

What has Rafa Benitez told you about your role here?

I have spoken to him about the situation. He knows how I play and hopefully I can do a job for him. It is up to me to prove that I can stay in the team every week. You don't just come into a club and expect to walk straight into the team; you have to earn your place and I am looking forward to doing that.

You'll be working day in, day out with Rafa – was he a big factor in you signing?

Yes, he was. He is a fantastic manager and has done a lot for Liverpool Football Club. He has won the Champions League. That is a massive factor. But no one has to sell Liverpool Football Club to me. It sold itself a long, long time ago. When an opportunity like this comes along, you have to grab it with both hands.

You've played with some of the best strikers around in the last few years and I guess you are chomping at the bit to get out there and play with perhaps the best forward in the world, Fernando Torres…

He has been a revelation since he came to the Premier League. He was absolutely outstanding last year and also in the Euros with Spain. It is 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 of games together and do well.

Do you see yourself as a second striker, someone who can play a bit deeper behind, say, Torres, or as a striker in your own right?

I see myself as a second striker. I can play off the shoulder, link things up and play in the hole. You are always judged on scoring goals as a striker and I have always scored a lot of goals. Hopefully I can continue that here at Liverpool.

How keen are you to pull on that number seven shirt here at Liverpool?

Yes, as a Liverpool fan the number seven jersey is massive. It is a fantastic opportunity for me that obviously I'm relishing. The people who have worn the number seven here, like Kevin Keegan and Kenny Dalglish – if I do half the job they did at Liverpool I will be happy.

Was the lure of the Champions League a big factor?

I have only played in Champions League qualifiers before but, you know, it's the whole package. I have always wanted to come here but, yes, the Champions League and being able to win things is a major factor.

At 28, would you say you are in your prime?

Yes, I think so. The last four years have been great for me and I believe I am at my peak. I am 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 Football Club as well.

You scored two against us last year – was that strange, as a Liverpool fan?

It is difficult. I support Liverpool but you have to blank that out of your mind. It was nice to score at the Kop end but now I am looking forward to scoring at the Kop end in a red shirt.

It's Villarreal on Wednesday, then Rangers at the weekend. Either of these would be great to make your debut, wouldn't they?

Regardless of who it's against it will be fantastic. It's something I am really looking to. I'm not too bothered who it is against, I'm just looking forward to pulling on that red shirt and playing for Liverpool. It's something I've always dreamed about and sometimes dreams do come true.

You are famous for your cartwheel celebration – might we see that at Anfield any time soon?

I will probably bring it out once for the Liverpool fans as I've done it down the years, but after that it will probably go back in the box.

And this must be a nice way to end a brilliant summer for you, what with you getting married as well?

Yes, it's been a fantastic year for me all in all, with Tottenham doing well and winning the League Cup, then getting married and now coming to the club I love. I will never, ever forget this year.

Was it a difficult decision to leave Tottenham?

It was, because of the relationship I had with everyone there, and being vice-captain. Ledley King has been injured quite a lot, so I've had to take on the role of captain quite a bit. The relationship I had with the fans and the chairman meant it was difficult to leave. I am leaving good friends behind, but if there is one club that could take me away from Tottenham it is Liverpool.

Do you have a message for the Tottenham supporters?

Sometimes in life you don't get many opportunities to go somewhere you have dreamed of going. The Tottenham fans have been absolutely brilliant with me and I want to thank them for their support over the years. I look forward to seeing them again and I will never forget the way they treated me.

And what would you say to Liverpool fans who are obviously very excited about seeing you here?

I can't wait to put the jersey on and hopefully they are looking forward to it too. I will always give 100 per cent for this club and hopefully score and create goals.

[Scouser_Dave]

[Scouser_Dave]

Some quote from Rafa,Keane Roy Evans and Jason Mac

KEANE EYES PREMIER LEAGUE MEDAL
Jimmy Rice 29 July 2008

Robbie Keane has spoken of his determination to fire Liverpool to a first league championship since 1990.
The new number seven is desperate to turn his solitary club medal – collected when Spurs beat Chelsea in the League Cup final last term - into a glittering collection here at Liverpool.

Asked at his unveiling this morning if he thought a title-winner's medal was realistic, Keane replied: "I certainly do think we can challenge Manchester United and Chelsea.

"If you look at the squad of players that were already here, along with the addition of a few more, then there is no reason we shouldn't be challenging for the Premier League and other trophies.

"Liverpool is a massive, massive club and people expect this of us. The fans expect it.

"I have come here to win things."

The lifelong Red was just nine years old last time the club won the league back at a time when he slept under Liverpool bedsheets and walked around in his club tracksuit.

Keane added: "I was a little bit too young to fully remember the last title. Hopefully I can contribute to changing that as part of this team. Obviously that would be great for the people of Liverpool.

"My whole family are Liverpool fans. I remember every Christmas asking for jerseys and tracksuits – it's great now that I get the tracksuits for free!"

Meanwhile, reporters quizzed the new boy on how he would deal with squad rotation.

Keane responded: "If you want to be the best, you have to have a big squad. In the last few seasons my managers have done it – Juande Ramos and Martin Jol. I still had some great seasons there.

"It is up to the manager what he wants to do but I am here for the team – not Robbie Keane."

RAFA: KEANE A GREAT PARTNER FOR TORRES
Jimmy Rice 29 July 2008

Rafa Benitez believes Robbie Keane can be the perfect foil for 33-goal Fernando Torres next term.
The Anfield boss sees the pair as a lethal combination of guile and pace capable of firing the Reds to glory in 2008-09.

Speaking exclusively to Liverpoolfc.tv after the 28-year-old signed last night, Benitez said: "We were looking for a player with game intelligence and good movement who could play alongside Torres.

"He can play with Torres up front and also on the right.

"We knew he was a Liverpool fan since forever. We knew that he was a very good signing in terms of the commitment, the quality and the intelligence of the player.

"He is a player who can give to us a lot of goals – normally he gets about 15 each year. We were looking for the workrate he can give to us, the game intelligence and also the goals."

Keane scored an impressive 107 goals in 253 appearances for former club Tottenham – but the penalty box isn't the only place Benitez believes he'll have an impact.

The Reds manager thinks his new boy will have a positive effect on team morale.

"He has experience in the Premier League and also all the reports of his personality and professionalism are fantastic. He can be a good example for the young players," said Benitez.

"I feel like he has enough experience in the game and that he has a very good mentality. He is very hungry, so everything is positive."

After being unveiled to the press this morning, Keane could travel with his new teammates to Villarreal.

Whenever he does make his debut, it is likely to be in the number seven shirt.

Benitez added: "Yes, 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."

One of the first questions fans will be asking when Keane does finally make his bow is whether they'll see his famous cartwheel goal celebration.

The man himself says it would be rude not to bring it out once for the Kop, though Benitez has told supporters not to expect spectacular celebrations week in, week out.

He said: "We will talk. It is important to score and also to celebrate afterwards, but he has to be careful just in case!"

MCATEER BACKING ROBBIE TO BE KOP IDOL
Paul Eaton 29 July 2008

Jason McAteer has told new signing Robbie Keane he can look forward to a 'surreal experience' when he runs out at Anfield for the first time as a Liverpool player.
McAteer saw his boyhood ambition of playing for the Reds come true when he signed from Bolton Wanderers in September 1995 - and he's now backing the most of Liverpool's new number seven to make the most of his dream switch from Tottenham.

"It's a fantastic move for Robbie," said McAteer. "We looked at the signing of Fernando Torres last year and even though we didn't expect him to do as well as he did, it was that sort of big signing we'd been after. Robbie is in that same category.

"He is getting better and better as a player. I have followed his career closely. I played with him in his early days and through doing work in the Irish media I have been able to keep an eye on his progress. He is learning the game all the time and becoming the complete striker.

"It really will be a surreal experience for him when he plays for the first time. I've been through it myself and it's incredible. He will have no problems settling in because he's an infectious character. He's a great character to have around the dressing room. If things aren't going too well then he'll be the one rallying around the players.

"He's played for some fantastic clubs for fantastic managers and with great strike partners - but now is the perfect time for him to come to Liverpool."

EVANS THRILLED WITH KEANE ARRIVAL
Paul Eaton 29 July 2008

Former Liverpool boss Roy Evans has today hailed Robbie Keane's arrival at Anfield.
The Republic of Ireland international has penned a four year deal with the Reds and could make his debut in Wednesday night's friendly against Villarreal.

Having supported Liverpool since childhood, the move to Anfield is the stuff of dreams for the 28-year old striker - and Evans believes it's a transfer which will hugely benefit the Reds.

"It's a great move for Robbie and a great move for us," he said. "He's always been a Liverpool fan, he's always wanted to play here and I think he will bring something different to our play.

"He will work in and around Torres which of course could free Steven Gerrard to play in more of a midfield position.

"He's been a great servant to Spurs. He had a lot of moves in his early days but when you're 28 years of age and the chance to play Champions League football comes along then it's difficult to turn it down."

[MaschPotato]

Dave why waste your time doing all of that everyone knwos he's going to fail The jealous people that is

[Kaka11|LFC]

has anyone got their new kits yet? i got mine in the mail yesterday

[AnfieldG8]

yeah i got mine a few weeks ago. Really nice material. Better than the previous one. i love it.

[Kaka11|LFC]

yea i wasn't sure on it the first time i saw it but now i love it, and yea it is great material

[lvrpl4life]

Number 7 Good lad

Originally Posted by Kaka11|LFC

has anyone got their new kits yet? i got mine in the mail yesterday

Yeah I got my home and away one a few weeks ago

[EAUK_Aurora]

Guys, please keep this thread on topic and do not try to highjack it or start flame wars by posting images that have no relevance here. It is disrespectful to the fans.

[Portland1]

Its official, Liverpool are going to keep Arbeloa. A Liverpool official has come out and said that it is rubbish.

[MaschPotato]

^^^
Good news.He's a decent player.Whoever can silence Messi on his debut deserves to stay

[Scouser_Dave]

Masc come and join us on this forum mate

http://www.footiechat.com/forum.php

[suggs]

yeah m8 join, this place is lalalala

[Dan]

Theres hardly any mancs and bitter tottenham fans..

[suggs]

there is an annoying chelsea fan though lol

[Dan]

He'll be gone soon..

[suggs]

masch has joined

[suggs]

Originally Posted by Danthomas2005

He'll be gone soon..

why

[Dan]

400 posts in 3 days will explain it..

[lucky125]

i want that white jacket keane has on

[Brendyne]

I walked into my local Rebel Sport.
The only new kit they had were ours.
Man U, Chelsea and Arsenal all had their old kits on sale.
They even had our new away kit too.
Which looks great in person.

[Kaka11|LFC]

how much did it cost though? my advice is to buy them off eBay, much cheaper than at any local store

[Portland1]

From goal.com

Rafa Hails Fearsome Reds Attack
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes defenders will be running scared this season now that Fernando Torres has a partner in crime…

The Reds yesterday unveiled Robbie Keane as their latest signing after tying up a deal totalling £20.3million to bring the Irish striker from Tottenham Hotspur.

Many have hailed the acquisition as exactly what the Merseyside giants needed – a proven goalscorer with bundles of Premier League experience who can take the load off Torres.

For the Spanish superstar bore an enormous burden during his first season at Anfield, netting 33 times while playing lone striker for the vast majority of the term.

The 24-year-old formed a lethal understanding with Steven Gerrard, who was let off the leash in a more attacking role, but some have pertinently enquired as to where the attacking edge will come from if either or both should succumb to injury.

But now that ‘El Nino’ has a genuine strike-partner to link with, Benitez is certain that opposition defences will have an especially tough time dealing with Liverpool’s attacking threat.

Worried

“I think all the defences will be worried about stopping them,” the ex-Valencia boss was quoted as saying in The Sun.

“Other managers and defenders will be trying to sign players but with Robbie, Fernando, Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel we will have great presence. It will be a big problem for other teams to cope with, that’s for sure.

“And it will be important for Fernando to have another player around who can score goals.

“We’ve signed a lot of young players to guarantee the future and sometimes when you’re very close, you need to sign experience and quality, too.”

Positions

However, since speculation first arose concerning Liverpool’s interest in Keane, a parallel debate has sprung up regarding where exactly on the pitch the former Leeds man would play.

The 28-year-old most often featured up front beside Dimitar Berbatov during his last two seasons at Spurs, but there is a suspicion that he will be installed either side of the 4-2-3-1 system the Reds employed during the second half of last term.

And Benitez has certainly not discouraged that idea, hinting that Keane’s stock position may in fact be on the right side of attack – most likely in place of the hard-working yet limited Kuyt.

“Robbie is a great pro with a good mentality and everyone here is really pleased to have him,” Benitez continued.

“He can play in three or four positions, and every one with experience and quality. He’s very clever on the right, up front on his own, or as a second striker.”

Experience

Liverpool’s Premier League chances were snuffed out typically early last term, as their failure to convert dominance of possession into victory cost them dearly when they struggled for form during the winter.

The Reds cannot afford another season without genuinely competing for the title, as that would give fierce rivals Manchester United the opportunity to equal their record of 18 league triumphs.

But Benitez feels Keane’s arrival will help reverse the trend that has seen Liverpool fail to clinch a title since 1990, insisting the ex-Internazionale forward’s leadership qualities will prove invaluable.

He added: “Last year we had a lot of drawn games, and maybe if we’d had someone with a bit more experience we could have won it.”

[Brendyne]

Originally Posted by Kaka11|LFC

how much did it cost though? my advice is to buy them off eBay, much cheaper than at any local store

$139.
I'm still debating buying it from overseas.

[RevolutionMikE5]

Buying what?

--Gerrard--
--Robbie Keane--Torres

liverpool08/09championschelsearelegated