The England international, currently with Roy Hodgson’s squad in Miami, has put pen to paper on a deal with the Reds after passing a medical at Melwood over the weekend – capping a remarkable journey back to Anfield after he was released by the club at 15.
“I can’t believe it,” said the boyhood Liverpool fan. “I've loved this club all my life. I left here 17 years ago - and I haven't stopped loving it since.
"I have always dreamed of playing for Liverpool, but I did kind of think the chance of playing for them had gone. I didn't think the chance would come.”
“When I knew of the interest from Liverpool, the first thought was of playing and scoring in front of the Kop"
Lambert on his move to Liverpool
Lambert, who has two goals in four England caps, arrives at the club with a formidable scoring record – hitting the target an impressive 117 times in 235 appearances during his time at St. Mary’s.
His move now takes the Liverpool contingent in the Three Lions World Cup squad to six – joining new team-mates Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Glen Johnson, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling.
The 32-year-old says he is still struggling to believe that his “dream move” has become a reality – and that there were tears of joy from his family after it was completed.
Lambert and his England team-mates departed for Miami on Sunday afternoon
“I'm not going to say the words I said to my agent when he first told me! I thought he was lying at first,” said Lambert. “I've been trying to let it sink in for a week and it still hasn't. Even now, I am finding it hard to allow it to sink it.
“When I knew of the interest from Liverpool, the first thought was of playing and scoring in front of the Kop and how it might be a possibility. Now that I've signed, it could become a reality. I know what I need to do, I know what matters.
“I'm not going to say the words I said to my agent when he first told me! I thought he was lying at first"
Lambert on his move to Liverpool
Speaking to LiverpoolFC.com, Lambert continued: “My mum and dad shed a few tears when I told them, especially my mum. It's not just playing for Liverpool, it's the fact I'm coming home. I've been away for eight years. My mum and dad have loved watching me play football all of my life, even when I was a kid, so it'd been hard for them not being able to come and watch. The fact they've got their son home - and the fact he's playing for Liverpool - is unbelievable.”
After completing the move, Lambert must now turn his attention back to England after he and the rest of the Three Lions squad landed in Miami late on Sunday evening. And as he prepares for his first World Cup, he says Hodgson’s men are going into the showpiece event in confident spirits – although he knows how tough it will be.
“We are confident but at the same time we know how hard our group is - it's one of the hardest ones in the World Cup! The first game is against Italy and everything is gearing towards that game. It's a massive game. It's not the be all and end all, win or lose, but we know it is important. We've got to start fast and hopefully try to win that first game.
“It's so hard to predict anything in a World Cup. You need everything - you need luck, refereeing decisions and everyone to click at the right time. Hopefully that will happen for us.”
Rickie Lambert will be hoping to celebrate his move to Liverpool by winning his fifth England cap on Wednesday when the Three Lions face Ecuador at 8pm. The match is live on ITV, or you can follow @England on Twitter for updates.
