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.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. 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. 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.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.'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.'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.'

Source: Liverpool_Echo