Source: Liverpool_Echo
Liverpool FC pre-season special: Class act Glen Johnson a blast from Anfield?s glorious past
GLEN JOHNSON was a player in demand this summer. His exceptional form for Portsmouth last season established him as the Premier League's most wanted right-back.
Big-spending Manchester City and his former club Chelsea were desperate to secure the England international's signature but once the 24-year-old was aware of Liverpool's interest he knew exactly where his future lay.
Johnson put pen to paper on a four-year contract and the £17million price tag made him the most expensive defender in the club's history.
His arrival led to the departure of Alvaro Arbeloa, who joined Real Madrid for £3.5million.
'I had the opportunity to go back to Chelsea but when a club like Liverpool comes in for you it's not a hard decision,' Johnson said.
'This is a fantastic club - one of the best in the world. It's got a great history and I wanted to be a part of that.
'I enjoyed every minute at Portsmouth. Playing football every week is what I love doing and I got to do that there. Then the opportunity to move here came along and I just couldn't say no.'
The London-born defender began his career under Harry Redknapp at West Ham but after just 16 appearances and a loan spell at Millwall he became new Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's first signing for £6million in 2003.
His league debut came in Chelsea's 2-1 win at Anfield and later in the year he took his England bow against Denmark.
Johnson helped Chelsea clinch the Premier League title in 2004/05 and was also part of their Carling Cup winning side.
However, he fell out of favour at Stamford Bridge and spent the 2006/07 season on loan at Portsmouth.
The switch was made permanent for £4million in August 2007 and he lifted the FA Cup with Pompey in 2008.
Johnson may have already completed the full set of domestic winner's medals but he is hungry for more.
'I would love to be part of the team that helped Liverpool become champions again,' he said.
