| The signing of Fernando Torres is a statement of intent believes Steven Gerrard. |
The £20m signing of Torres from Athletico Madrid shows Liverpool are ready to make a serious title challenge believes Steven Gerrard.
"Torres has all the attributes to become firmly established as world class. Some of the other players we're being linked with excite me too. It's great to see us looking at young, hungry players with their best years ahead of them," said the Reds' captain.
"Since I've been in the first team I can't remember us making such a major statement of intent in the transfer market as this.
"In recent years it's only really been Manchester United and Chelsea buying players around the £20m mark, so it's great to see us able to compete for players of that kind of value.
"The Liverpool board has always backed the manager and we've invested heavily over the years. Roy Evans and Gerard Houllier spent a lot of money, but we've all been looking for that extra step to close the gap and attract the kind of players United and Chelsea are able to afford.
"This is the first summer in a long time we've been able to do that. I'll bet players and fans from other clubs have been looking at us and thinking: 'Aye, aye, Liverpool are making a move for some of the big boys now.'
"That's what's so exciting. When the American owners took over they talked about three stages. The first was proceeding with the new stadium, which they're doing. Then they wanted to secure the key players on long-term contracts, which they've done.
"Stage three is all about spending money on the players to make us compete for the Premiership, which has now started.
"We're looking in great shape, not only going into this season, but for the next few years."
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