STEWART  DOWNING finally signed for Liverpool last night to end the summer's longest transfer saga.

The winger joined for £20million from Aston Villa and penned a four-year contract worth £80,000 a week.

Reds boss Dalglish flew home early from his club's Far East tour on Thursday to oversee the England international's arrival.

Downing, 26, said: "It's been a long time coming but I'm really pleased to be here.

"It will be a great feeling to run out at Anfield. The atmosphere is always great and the fans are brilliant.

"When I wanted to come to Liverpool, it was the first thing I thought of - playing at Anfield in front of those great fans. I'm really looking forward to it.

"The manager has pushed the boat out to get me here, so hopefully I can give him something back." 

Source: The Sun