Jermaine Pennant claims it was "the best moment of my life" when he knew that his dream move to Liverpool was going to happen.
The 23-year-old winger has completed what is believed to be a £6.7 million move - rising to over £7 million on appearances — from Birmingham and has become boss Rafael Benitez's fifth summer signing.
And the player who made 497 crosses last season — the highest in the Premiership — now cannot wait to see Peter Crouch's giant frame on the end of them.
Pennant said: "Crouchie is a great target man and of course I'll be looking to make the service into the box as good as possible. I'm sure he's looking forward to it as well.
"I just want to work hard and improve as much as I can to play an important role for the team."
But the deal has proved controversial among Liverpool fans, who are mindful that Pennant arrives with even more baggage than fellow summer signing Craig Bellamy.
His arrival solves Benitez's search for a right-sided midfielder, with first-choice Daniel Alves of Sevilla proving too pricey at £12million — but in Pennant, Liverpool have bought one of football's most notorious players.
In 2005 the midfielder become the first footballer to play in the Premiership while wearing an electronic tag. He had served 21 days in jail after being found guilty of drink-driving while banned and having no insurance.
Originally Pennant had been banned from driving for 16 months in 2004 after being seen travelling in the wrong lane in Paddington, west London.
Also in 2005 it was reported that Birmingham sent the player home from training after he turned up under the influence of alcohol.
But Pennant knows that this is the chance of a lifetime to reinvent himself, and the fact that he reveals himself as a lifelong Liverpool fan will only endear him to the Anfield public.
Pennant, speaking to the club's official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv, said: "I always wanted to come to Liverpool. This is the only club I would have wanted to sign for.
"There's always a doubt in your mind as to whether or not it will happen because you don't know if the clubs will agree a transfer fee, but I just stayed positive and believed it would happen for me.
"I'm more than confident my best will come at this club because I am playing alongside top-quality players who will only help me develop my game.
"Over the last couple of years they've done magnificently well and there have been more signings this summer who all look really good.
"Obviously the captain (Steven Gerrard) is there as the central point of the team and there are quality players all around him. I'm looking forward to making the most of this opportunity."
