Charlie Adam has dismissed suggestions that he has been brought to Liverpool in order to replace former midfielder Xabi Alonso.
The Spaniard moved to Real Madrid in 2009 shortly after the Reds finished second in the league, but his departure from Anfield triggered a dramatic collapse in form as replacement Alberto Aquilani struggled with injuries and the side failed to qualify for the Champions League.
While Alonso continues to impress in Madrid, Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has brought in midfielders Adam and Jordan Henderson to compete with the players already at the club.
However, Adam insists he is not worried about trying to replace the Spanish World Cup winner and is focused on just cementing a spot in Dalglish’s side.
“Xabi Alonso was a top player at this club. He's a World Cup winner, he's won the European Championships,” he told reporters.
“He's done everything as a player and he's at one of the best clubs in the world with Real Madrid, so it's nice to know that people think I might come in and replace him - but I'm coming here to be Charlie Adam and not to replace anybody else."
He added: “I was young when I was at Rangers and I only played a few games so I had to go on loan and went to Blackpool. Some people said it was a step backwards but I saw it as a step forward and now with this move to Liverpool I see that as another step forward.
“I'm just fortunate enough that I've been able to play with some good players who have helped me get to this position but I don't want to rest and just say that I'm here to make up the numbers. I came here to play and to hopefully help the team.”
Adam moved to Merseyside after impressing with Blackpool last season.
Blackpool competed in the top flight despite having a very limited budget, something Adam believes is the biggest achievement in English football, but he says that he is glad that his move to Anfield finally came through after missing out in January.
“It was a long four or five months and obviously with all the speculation in January it was tough," he said.
“When you get an opportunity to come to a club like this, you think that it might never come back.
“Fortunately I've got a manager who wanted me to come again in the summer and I was just delighted to get that reward and join this club.
“They're both very different things. Liverpool is a worldwide club but it was still an honour to play for Blackpool and to achieve what I achieved.
“Nobody expected it with Blackpool and I think it was the biggest achievement ever in the history of the English game, considering the budget the manager had and the players we managed to get in.
“Coming to a club like Liverpool and walking through the door everyday and seeing the European trophy sitting there you realize it's such a special club, and there are not many clubs like it in the world.
“Hopefully I can get the opportunity to play for us and do well.”
He added: “Now I'm a Liverpool player I don't just want to just rest and say 'That's me done' for the next however many years. I want to be here and I want to stay here. This is a wonderful club with wonderful people in charge and hopefully I can repay their faith with my performances on the pitch."
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