Soccer:Liverpool have completed the signing of one Wales international and let another head back to his homeland today, with arrival of Joe Allen from Swansea City and the departure of Craig Bellamy to Cardiff.

Allen, a target of new manager Brendan Rodgers since his move to Anfield to replace Kenny Dalglish at the end of the season, has signed on a "long-term" contract. The fee has not been revealed but his deal is thought to have cost the Reds in the region of €19 million (£15 million).

Allen revealed today that Rodgers was a major factor in his decision to inform Swansea he wanted to leave this week.

"I have a lot of faith that Brendan Rodgers can bring success, that's one of the reasons I'm here,” he told liverpoolfc.tv. “I wanted to be part of this project, his project, and I've really got a good feeling - as I'm sure all the players here have - that this football club is going to go from strength to strength in the next couple of seasons.

"Brendan is so passionate about his football. He works day in, day out to improve the team and everyone individually. Everyone wants to work alongside someone who has that way about them.

"One of his best things is his man management, it's second to none. He commands the respect of everyone and it's no different for me.

"To join back up with him was definitely a big pull for me."

Rodgers said he was "absolutely delighted that Joe has made the decision to come with us on this journey," adding: "Joe is a player whose profile will fit perfectly with the ideas of this group. His ability to control and dominate the ball is an important ingredient in our attempt to gain success on the field.

"Joe has had a fantastic education at Swansea City and will now begin the next chapter in his exciting career, and I wish him all the very best in what I'm sure will be a long and distinguished career here at Liverpool."

Bellamy, who played alongside Allen for Great Britain, has rejoined home-town club Cardiff, signing a two-year contract with the Bluebirds.

The veteran striker, scored 11 goals in 36 appearances during a season-long loan at Cardiff from Manchester City in 2010-11, says he spent most of the Games talking Allen into joining Liverpool.

"He's brilliant, what a good player," said Bellamy. "I spent the last three weeks hounding him to go to Liverpool. I'm delighted - delighted for him, delighted for Brendan [Rodgers], but delighted for Liverpool because they've just got an immense player."

Bellamy returned to Liverpool last season but made no secret of his desire to be closer to his family as he approaches the end of his career, and Cardiff confirmed the news of his return this afternoon on their official website.