RICKIE LAMBERT CELEBRATE!

The England striker was confirmed as Liverpool’s first summer signing this morning after he put pen to paper on a dream £4 million return to Anfield.

“I can’t believe it,” a delighted Lambert said. “I’ve loved this club all my life. I left here 17 years ago – and I haven’t stopped loving it since.”

The 32-year-old was on the books at Liverpool as a youngster but was released and made his name as a journeyman in England’s lower leagues before rocketing to prominence with 117 goals in 235 games for Southampton.

That form also earned Lambert his first international caps under Roy Hodgson as well as a place in England’s World Cup squad.

“I’ve seen Rickie Lambert over the years and he’s one of those players that probably never got the recognition for what a really good footballer he is,” Reds boss Brendan Rodgers said.

“It’s only late on in his career – at 29, 30, 31 – that people are really starting to focus on his qualities.

“He was probably seen as the traditional big number nine, a British striker that is good in the air, but he’s one of the most accomplished footballers I’ve seen.”

Look at how happy he is!