Cole transfer complete – and steals Jovanovic’s shirt

Liverpool have confirmed that Joe Cole’s move to the club has been finalised after the midfielder completed and passed a medical with club doctors in Switzerland.

Cole has signed a four year deal with the club, reported to be worth around £20 million, including wages and signing on fee.

But new Reds boss Roy Hodgson is confident the England international has chosen to move to Anfield for footballing, over financial, reasons.

“I had a long meeting with Joe before coming here to Switzerland. It was probably a day or so after I had taken the job,” said Hodgson.

“We made it clear to him that if it was just going to be an auction about who pays the most money, we would rather not take part. But he made it clear that wasn’t the name of the game.

“He wanted a good wage because he was on a free transfer but the football was always going to be the decisive thing.

“To be frank, I don’t know what he is earning – I don’t want to know.

“I haven’t spoken to Christian Purslow about it. He had long and tough negotiations with his advisers; they wanted the most that they could get.

“We wanted to pay a level that we thought was right for the club. I know Christian is happy with the outcome but I don’t know what it is. It doesn’t interest me.”

The club’s official web site also made the announcement that Cole will take the number 10 shirt for Liverpool, which was only given to new striker Milan Jovanovic last week.

The number 10 shirt has previously been worn by the likes of John Toshack, Jan Molby, John Barnes, Luis Garcia and was last worn by Andriy Voronin.

Jovanovic is expected to take up the number 14 shirt.