by GOAT » Fri Jul 10, 2009 11:05 am
I like his response to what will you add to liverpool an all "I don't know" lolol genius
Glen Johnson was unveiled to the world's media as a Liverpool player at Melwood on Thursday and our new right-back took 10 minutes to speak to radio journalists about his move to Anfield.
Journalist: Glen, there was reportedly interest from other clubs, so why did you choose Liverpool?
Because it's a fantastic club and, to be honest, I've always had a soft spot for Liverpool, so it was an easy decision to make.
Journalist: Where does your desire to come to Anfield stem from? Is it mainly from Liverpool's wonderful history or the fact it was a cracking season for them last time around?
Both. Obviously they had a fantastic season and this is a club with great history. Rafa is also keen to help me improve and that's what I want to do.
Journalist: Your affinity for Liverpool all started from the first kit you had when you were a boy didn't it?
Yes, when I was a young boy all I ever wanted to do was play football and I used to run around my garden in my Liverpool kit, which was the first kit my mum ever bought for me. Living in south London I don't know where that came from, but I guess everything happens for a reason.
Journalist: What can you achieve at Liverpool? I'm sure even when you were at Portsmouth you watched closely at the way this club progressed last year...
I want to come here and do as well as I can and try and help the team improve. The lads had a fantastic season last year finishing second and everyone in the squad is now looking to improve on that. There are some fantastic names in this squad, the likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and so on. It's going to be brilliant for me to play alongside players like that.
Journalist: Rafa Benitez has obviously spent a lot of money to bring you here. What can you add to Liverpool?
I don't know really, I guess you'll have to wait and see. People saw my game last season and I'd like to think I can do the same here with a bit more added.
Journalist: I remember one of your early games for West Ham against Liverpool - you had a really good match and afterwards everyone was talking about you as a future international. The move to Chelsea didn't really work out for you though, did it? What do you put that down to?
When I first went to Chelsea things were going fine. I was 18 and playing in all of the games I was available for under Claudio Ranieri. So things started well, but when Jose Mourinho came in, he had different ideas and brought his own players in and, for whatever reason, it didn't work out for me. So I made a choice and decided to leave.
Journalist: Do you feel your career has gone full circle now?
Yes. I left Chelsea for a reason and I'm glad I was able to achieve that at Portsmouth, but obviously I won't be resting on my laurels. I want to push on again.
Journalist: When were you first aware of Liverpool's interest in you?
I'm not sure to be honest. There was a lot written in the papers during the last transfer window and again at the start of this one. You're left thinking, 'Is it going to happen?' But in the end I tried not to get carried away. Once I spoke to Rafa the deal happened quite quickly.
Journalist: You picked up a Premier League winners' medal with Chelsea. You probably didn't play as many games as you would have liked, but can you use any of that experience here at Liverpool?
Definitely. Chelsea were obviously a fantastic side and did well to win the league. I may not have played as many games I would have liked to, but there's no point in worrying about the past because I want to make the most of the future. I will just use the experience and take it with me.
Journalist: You must believe this Liverpool side can win the Premier League?
Yes, definitely. They went so close to doing it last season and the lads have so much desire to improve and get that medal. I would not put anything past them.
Journalist: Did you ask Peter Crouch and Jermaine Pennant about life at Anfield?
Yes, I spoke to Crouchy and Jermaine. They told me this is a fantastic club, but obviously they didn't really need to tell me that part. They also said Rafa is a nice man and the training is good at a high intensity, which is what I need.
Journalist: I'm not sure Rafa had to sell a club like Liverpool to you, but when you look at what they can achieve and how good they were last season, it's looking very bright for the future...
Without a doubt. Everyone at this club wants to improve. The fans want Liverpool to win the league and we will certainly be giving it our best shot.
Journalist: Is this the right move for you at this stage of your career? Is this were you thought you'd be at this age - a top four club?
In every game I've played I've tried to do the best I could to play for the best club I could. Every player's dream is to play in the Champions League and play for your country, so I'm over the moon to come to Liverpool.
Journalist: How difficult do you think it will be to win a place in the side?
I don't expect to come here and play every single game or walk in, play the first game and then keep the shirt. I'm willing to knuckle down, work hard and take nothing for granted.
Journalist: Fans know you as a right-back, but there is versatility to your game...
Yes, I can play in other positions. Funnily enough, I was playing just behind the front two for Portsmouth in their final couple of games last season, but I think that was just a one off!
Journalist: People believed you would end up as a central defender when you started out at West Ham...
I think when young lads come through, people will speculate about the different positions they can play in. I started out as a striker when I was young, and then in the West Ham youth teams I played centre-back, right-back and even in midfield. Obviously when I broke into the first-team I played right-back. I think coaches like to put you on the outside of the defence when you're young because centre-back is such a big position and it's not easy for a 16/17-year-old to step into the first-team in the Premier League and play there.
Journalist: Has Rafa spoke to you about your versatility? Does he see it as an asset?
We've spoke about it, and even today I played at left-back in training. Obviously it's ideal for a manager if players can play in more than one position.