Soccer

Downing leaves Liverpool for West Ham

Midfielder will join former Reds teammate Andy Carroll at London club

Liverpool’s Stewart Downing challenges Beram Kayal of Celtic during the Dublin Decider at the Aviva Stadium last weekend.
Liverpool’s Stewart Downing challenges Beram Kayal of Celtic during the Dublin Decider at the Aviva Stadium last weekend.
Tue Aug 13 2013 - 12:57

West Ham have confirmed the signing of England international Stewart Downing from Liverpool for an undisclosed fee.

Downing has agreed a four-year deal with the Hammers and he follows Andy Carroll in making a permanent move from Anfield to Upton Park this summer.

The 29-year-old midfielder, who has won 34 caps for England, is West Ham's fifth new recruit of the summer following the signings of Carroll, Romania captain Razvan Rat, Spanish goalkeeper Adrian and midfielder Danny Whitehead.

Downing is ready to compete for a place in the West Ham side to face Cardiff on Saturday on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

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“I’m very excited,” said Downing, who is predominantly a left winger but spent a lot of time playing at left back for Liverpool last season.

He added on West Ham’s official website: “It’s a great opportunity for me being here, it’s a great club and I’m really excited to get going.

“I’m ready and I’m fit for the first game against Cardiff City. I’ve played a decent few games for Liverpool in pre-season, so there will be no problems on that front.”