Source: Liverpool_Echo
Raul Meireles living in dreamland having signed for Liverpool FC
RAUL MEIRELES has admitted signing for Liverpool is a dream come true - as Roy Hodgson backed his £11m capture to bring star quality to the Reds midfield.[LNB]Liverpool's manager moved swiftly to plug the gap left by Javier Mascherano's departure to Barcelona when swooping to sign the Portugal international from FC Porto.[LNB] Meireles, who was unveiled to Liverpool's supporters shortly before yesterday's 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion, has signed a four-year deal and will take charge of the number four shirt, which was vacant after Alberto Aquilani joined Juventus.[LNB] Renowned for his repertoire of passing, tackling ability and eagerness to get forward, Meireles was coveted by a number of Europe's top clubs but revealed it was Hodgson's determination to go the extra hard mile that proved decisive.[LNB]Now he is ready to forge a successful career on Merseyside and Meireles - who played in all four of Portugal's games at the World Cup finals and scored his country's opening goal against North Korea - can't wait to get started.[LNB]'Liverpool are an historic club and I am happy for the move,' said Meireles. 'Roy Hodgson was key (to me signing for Liverpool) because he worked so hard to get me. I hope the fans will one day remember me for my success at Liverpool.[LNB]'It has been a long time coming but finally I have achieved my dream of playing in England. Roy Hodgson was key to me coming here because he worked so hard to sign me. I am Meireles and not Mascherano and that will be clear to the fans.'
