Stevie: Joe Will Be Fantastic

Steven Gerrard today warmly welcomed the signing of Joe Cole after the midfielder agreed a four-year deal with the Reds subject to a medical.

"It's a great signing for us" said the Liverpool skipper. "I know Joe well through the England set-up and have seen first hand just how good a player he is. 
"He's proved his ability over many years in the Premier League, sometimes against us - so it will be fantastic to play alongside him in a red shirt for Liverpool. 
"I've told him what a great club this is and I'm sure Joe's the sort of exciting talent our fans will love to see."
Commenting for the first time on the media speculation surrounding his own future, Gerrard revealed: "I made it clear that I simply needed to concentrate on the World Cup and then have a decent holiday with my family. 
"I wanted the chance to meet Roy Hodgson privately and having done so I'm very impressed with his plans for the future of the team. 
"I've only returned to training today at Melwood with some of the other World Cup players, but I can't wait for the new season to start."