Liverpool have finally announced the signing of Brazilian goalkeeper Alexander Doni from Roma.
Liverpool complete signing of goalkeeping back-up to Reina
Liverpool have finally announced the signing of Brazilian goalkeeper Alexander Doni from Roma.
The Premier League club have not released any details on the length of the shot-stopper's contract, but have confirmed the completion of the transfer following a medical.
Liverpool had been chasing the 31-year-old, who has 10 international caps, for the majority of the summer in order to secure more experienced back-up to Kenny Dalglish's first-choice, Jose Reina, than the likes of Brad Jones.
It appeared that Doni's move had broken down over personal terms shortly after the end of last season, but he has now reached a deal and will be at Anfield next season.
A short statement on their
official website read: "Liverpool today confirmed they have completed the signing of Alexander Doni from AS Roma.
Development
"The goalkeeper has put pen to paper on a contract with the Reds after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical."
Doni made 179 appearances for Roma in six seasons in Italy during which time he lifted the Coppa Italia twice as well as the Supercoppa Italiana.
Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli said: "We are delighted to sign Doni.
"It's a position we felt we had to strengthen because it will allow our young goalkeepers to go on loan and get some experience at some point during the season, which is crucial in their development."
Comolli added: "We are getting a very experienced goalkeeper who is used to handling the pressure of big games and international matches with Brazil. He had a very good end of last season with Roma, so we are very pleased.
Supportive
"When you come here and know you will be a number two behind Pepe (Reina), what's important for us is the attitude and mentality off the pitch and in the changing room.
"He's got to be supportive of the number one but also be aggressive enough to push the number one on a daily basis, and I think Doni represents all that.
"When we approached him the first time, obviously he wanted to be a number one somewhere, but he said Liverpool Football Club is such a big club that if he wanted to come as a number two then he would come."
The Frenchman, meanwhile, revealed he sounded out Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva about his fellow Brazilian before pursuing the deal.
"I spoke to Lucas about Doni and he was very complimentary about him as a person and as a goalkeeper, so I think it's a great deal for us," added Comolli.
"He is suited to English football. He is big and good in the air and his distribution is quick as well. When you play for Roma for years and years, the pressure at that club in that city is tremendous, so the fact he can handle that shows he can take anything."
