Jova: Deal Never In Doubt

Serbian striker Milan Jovanovic today insisted the departure of Rafael Benitez never made him doubt his decision to sign for Liverpool.

It was the former Reds boss who secured Jovanovic's signing on a free transfer from Standard Liege during the summer, but even when Benitez left Anfield Jovanovic knew exactly where he wanted his footballing future to lie.

"I chose to sign for Liverpool Football Club, and that is it. It's very simple," he told Liverpoolfc.tv in an exclusive interview in Switzerland earlier today.

"Liverpool was always my biggest wish and to be here is a great day in my career and in my life. I knew they were following my games for Standard Liege and also the Serbian national side and when they first made contact with me I was very happy. Liverpool was my only choice and I'm pleased the negotiations were successful. Now I want to do as well as I can for the club over the next three years.

"When you speak about Liverpool you are speaking about one of the biggest clubs in the world - maybe for me, the biggest. You are talking about an historical club which has won the Champions League five times."

Having arrived at the Reds' training resort of Bad Ragaz in Switzerland last night, Jovanovic met his new manager - and new teammates - for the first time this morning.

He joined in a full training session, although spent the early part of it working through an individual fitness program with one of the club's medical staff.

Despite now returning to training after the World Cup with Serbia - during which he netted a famous winner against Germany - he won't be considered for his first-team debut when the Reds take on Al-Hilal at the weekend.

But the 29-year old admits he has already cast his mind forward to the start of the new league season - and the chance to make his debut at Anfield alongside the array of talented players at the club.

"I can't wait to play at Anfield and hear 'You'll Never Walk Alone' - the best song in the world," he said.

"I also can't wait to play with players like Torres, Gerrard, Kuyt, Mascherano and Reina - some of the best players in the world.

"It's hard for me to tell the fans what I can bring to the team, I'd prefer to leave that talking to someone else. But I know I need to be good on the pitch and show my quality when I get the chance.

"Mr. Hodgson welcomed me to the club this morning and I'm looking forward to working with him, with all the players and hopefully being successful together and winning trophies."

And how does he feel about being allocated the famous number 10 shirt at Anfield?

"Toshack, Barnes...I know the players who have worn the shirt," he replied. "But the number isn't special. It's what I do on the pitch that matters."