Official: Liverpool FC confirm the signing of Rickie Lambert from Southampton

Rickie Lambert is currently with the England squad who are travelling to Miami for their World Cup preparations.

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of 32-year-old Rickie Lambert from Southampton through their official website.

The 32-year-old England International, who has played in all the four divisions in England, has put pen to paper on a deal after passing his medical at Melwood.

"I can't believe it. I've loved this club all my life,” Lambert told reporters. “I left here 17 years ago - and I haven't stopped loving it since. I have always dreamt of playing for Liverpool, but I did kind of think the chance of playing for them had gone. I didn't think the chance would come.”

He continued, "I know how big Liverpool are - and it means everything to me - but I know what is important; I know it's what I do on the pitch and the minutes I play. I know that's what matters, and that's what I'll be focused on."

You can read his whole interview here.

#LFC are delighted to confirm the signing of Rickie Lambert from Southampton #LambertLFC - http://t.co/xmGMX74N7z pic.twitter.com/wL6zEdVS4a

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 2, 2014

The Merseyside Reds have reportedly agreed a fee rumoured to be around £4 millions plus add-ons to bring him to Anfield as their first summer signing.

When asked about the team’s new signing, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists that Lambert is one of the most accomplished footballers he has ever seen.

"I've seen Rickie Lambert over the years and he's one of those players that probably never got the recognition for what a really good footballer he is," Rodgers told Liverpool.com. "It's only late on in his career - at 29, 30, 31 - that people are really starting to focus on his qualities. He was probably seen as the traditional big No.9, a British striker that is good in the air.

"But he's one of the most accomplished footballers I've seen. It has been so refreshing that he's got his call into the England team, and he certainly hasn't let anyone down - he has been outstanding. Look at his touch, look at the level of his goals, the different types of goals he has scored over his career, and he's a specialist on penalties as well,” he added. "I think he is a terrific footballer and any team he plays against, he's always a handful."

Lamber has had a dream season with the Saints scoring 13 goals in 37 appearances, taking his career total in the Saints shirt to 117 goals in 235 appearances.