Liverpool have announced that Valencia left-back Aly Cissokho has joined the club on a season long loan. The deal is believed to include an option to buy at the end of the season. With the Anfield club short on defensive options, the Frenchman would add much needed cover and provide Jose Enrique with competition.
"I feel extremely proud to be here and I'm proud of all the hard work I've put in so far throughout my career," Cissokho told Liverpool's official website. "I've always dreamt of one day signing for a really legendary club. I've been lucky enough to play for a few top-sides and so to now get the chance to play for a club like Liverpool, it's just fantastic."
The player began his professional career with Porto, before transferring to Lyon and then Valencia. Interestingly, he was on the verge of completing a €15 million move to Italian giants AC Milan in 2009. Cissokho underwent a medical at the club but failed due to a problem with his teeth that could induce future spinal problems. The deal fell through and the player was transferred to Lyon instead. He has also successfully passed his Liverpool medical with no dental problems being reported.
"It's really pleasing when a club like Liverpool shows interest in you, and when that interest becomes more serious, you really can't wait for the move to go through," he continued. "Now that the transfer has been completed, I'm really happy."
The left back is excited by the prospect of playing in the Premier League.
"I've always said, along with a lot of other French players, that I really love the English league," he said. Although I've been fortunate enough to have played at some big clubs, in the back of my mind, I've always wanted to play in England."
Cissokho hopes he can help Liverpool in their bid to qualify for the Champions League.
"The Champions League is a competition that you dream of taking part in," he explained. "I think that a club like Liverpool richly deserves to be involved in it because of the quality of its players and the atmosphere and quality of its stadium."
