Ireland striker Robbie Keane joins Liverpool for $40 mln

BEIJING, July 30 (Xinhuanet) -- Liverpool FC has announced via its official website that the veteran Ireland forward Robbie Keane signed Tuesday a deal with the Reds.

Keane has completed a 20.3 million pound (40.6 million dollar) four-year transfer from Tottenham to join the club he has supported all his life.

The 28-year-old, who will now wear the number seven shirt made famous by legends like Kenny Dalglish and Kevin Keegan, will make his debut Wednesday.

"To wear that shirt is an honour, and something I truly understand. If I can have half as much success in it as Keegan and Dalglish did, I will be a happy man," said Keane.

"I've been waiting for this day since I was a kid. Everyone knows I am a massive Liverpool fan, so to be sitting here today in a Liverpool tracksuit is a dream come true."

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was far from happy at the way in which Liverpool had signed up his club captain.

But Keane said: "The reasons I left Spurs are that I am a huge Liverpool fan and the chance to play for them may never come around again."

"I do not think I let Spurs down. I had six fantastic seasons there and gave them everything. Since day one. I always give everything, and that will never change," said Keane.

(Agencies)