Downing: I'm in form of my life

The England winger gave an in-depth interview to journalists after being unveiled to the media at Melwood on Wednesday afternoon.

The 27-year-old revealed just why the chance to join Kenny Dalglish and co was one he could not refuse, how he hopes to forge a deadly link-up with Andy Carroll and why he is convinced he can realise his dream of winning trophies at Anfield.

Here's what he had to say in full:

There was speculation mounting for months about your transfer to Liverpool - how much of a relief was it that it finally went through?

It took a bit of time but I think all negotiations do. It was a similar situation when I signed for Aston Villa. But I'm here now and I'm happy that it's all done.

What do you see as your primary strengths and what do you feel you can bring to the squad here?

Well Kenny has obviously spent a large amount to get me here which is something I am proud and feel privileged about. I just want to keep playing like I did for Aston Villa last season and carry on my good form. I won't do anything differently. Just because it was a big fee doesn't mean I should change. I was brought here to do what I did at Aston Villa. Whether that's on the left or right, it's up to the manager. I just want to do my best for Liverpool.

You were Aston Villa's player of the year last season. Do you think this is the best form of your career?

It  probably is in terms of consistency. Last season was my most consistent by far and I just want that to continue. I think that happens as you get older. It's a big season for me personally and for the club. I want to play well on a regular basis.

You could say you are approaching the peak years of your career. Do you think Liverpool will therefore see the best of Stewart Downing?

Hopefully. I felt really good last year. It would be nice to do well because the manager has invested a lot of money in me, so if I can do well for him and the club I'll be very pleased.

Do you think it's harder for a wide player to find that level of consistency because so much is expected of you to make things happen...

The top wingers tend to do it on a regular basis. When you look at Ronaldo and Giggs down the years they have done it consistently and that's what I want to do. Whether the manager sees me playing out wide or in different positions, I just want to do well, chip in with goals and provide chances for the front players.

Spectators still love a winger don't they? They like to see a player taking on defenders and getting to the byline - it's still one of the most thrilling things in football isn't it?

Fans come to games to be entertained. Hopefully we can do that this season. If I'm out wide I'll do my best to get to the byline and whip in crosses as well as chip in with goals. That's what the front lads will want from me - especially Andy (Carroll) who is a threat in the box. Nine times out of 10 he's going to get on the end of it. I've not played with Luis Suarez and people like that yet, but he's a top player so I'm looking forward to it.

Given the ambition shown by the club in terms of players brought in, do you think it's essential Liverpool get back into the top four this season?

Well nothing has been said that means we have to do this or that. But like you say, there has been a lot of investment and there's no hiding the fact that this club has high expectation. It's a club that deserves to be in Europe. In the past they've done very well and I'm sure the players and manager will want to do well for the owners and get back into that top bracket. We've certainly got the squad now. There is a lot of competition for places which maybe there wasn't before, so I think it should be an aim.

What do you think you can achieve in terms of trophies here at Liverpool?

If I can win as many trophies as possible that would be perfect. The long-term ambition is probably to win the league. Obviously that won't happen overnight, it's a building process. Hopefully this is the start of it, adding these new players to the ones who are already here. I'm sure we've got a top squad and think we can do very well.

What will it be like for you to run out and play in front of the Kop as a Liverpool player?

Every time you go to Anfield as an opposition player you take in the atmosphere and think that you would love to play here one day. So when you get the opportunity it's not one you can turn down. I was at a wonderful football club in Aston Villa and it was a hard decision to leave because I was enjoying myself there and playing well. But when a club like Liverpool come calling, you have to go for it. I'm 27 now and if I'd turned it down I don't know if it would have happened again. You have to make the most of your career and I think this club is on the up now.

How big a factor was establishing yourself as an England regular in your decision to come here?

People tend to say that if you play for a top club you have more chance of playing, but I think if you are performing well it doesn't matter what club you are at, you should get a chance anyway. Most of my caps came when I was playing at Middlesbrough so it doesn't mean anything. The only thing I can do is have a good season with Liverpool, go up a level and hopefully that will get me into the team.

Many observers see you as the man who will provide the service for Andy Carroll. Do you need to strike up an understanding with him to make that work?

No pressure there then! (laughs). I think one of my strengths is crossing and his is to get on the end of them so I can see why people think we will strike up a good relationship. Andy is a top player. I know his strengths and will try to play to them. We've also got other great players in Luis Suarez and Dirk Kuyt so I think we've all got to adapt to each other. I'm pleased I got a bit of pre-season in because I could get to know the lads and see what the manager wants us to work on. I think you could see the other night that if you put the ball into the box, the big man (Carroll) gets on the end of them, so I'm sure we can have a good partnership.

You get the feeling that with the players, the manager and the owners - everything is coming together for Liverpool now isn't it?

I've not been here that long but there is a buzz about the place. Speaking to lads like Pepe and Carra, they are telling me that they can sense a new atmosphere here. The fans are buzzing again and new players are coming in. I think we just need to start well, get the fans behind us and have a right good go.

Click on the play button below to watch our new boys meet the press at Melwood