Liverpool FC confirmed yesterday evening that Alberto Aquilani has successfully completed a medical and agreed a five-year contract with the club. Aquilani cost Liverpool £20million from AS Roma.
The Italian is unlikely to make his Reds debut before October. The player will now continue his rehabilitation from an ankle operation under the guidance of Liverpool's medical team and is expected to be fully fit in approximately four to eight weeks' time.
Reds boss Rafa Benitez identified the Italy international as the ideal replacement for Xabi Alonso, who joined Real Madrid for £30million earlier this week.
He made 147 appearances for Roma since his league debut against Torino in 2003 and has won 11 caps for Italy.
Former Liverpool left-back, John Arne Riise backs Aquilani to be successful in the Barclays Premier League.
"When I first came to Roma, I didn't know a thing about Aquilani,"
"I knew all about Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi and Philippe Mexes, of course, but Aquilani was the player who surprised me the most in my first months with what he could do.
"He's really good on the ball, with good passing, good movement, he works hard and is a good professional.
"He likes to have the ball at his feet but not because he likes to dribble, he just wants to keep the team moving. He never stands still, he's always on the run.
"He certainly runs more than Xabi and is probably more dangerous in terms of getting in the box and trying to score goals.
"When I came to Rome he was my neighbour and helped me out a lot. He's a good friend. Liverpool will be getting a very good player." – Riise, LiverpoolFC.tv.
The Reds had also been linked with Wigan's Lee Catermole and Valencia's David Silva.
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Red's Fury™
