Fowler rejoins Liverpool on free transfer
By Jeremy Butler
LIVERPOOL, England Jan 27 (Reuters) - Striker Robbie Fowler has rejoined Liverpool on a free transfer until the end of the season from Manchester City.
The 30-year-old, who scored 171 goals in 330 games during eight years at Anfield, was nicknamed 'God' during his time at Liverpool and is still a firm favourite with the fans.
"Honest to God, I'm so happy it's frightening. I'm just so chuffed..." Fowler told Liverpool's website on Friday.
Fowler first made his mark at Liverpool in 1993 and soon became one of the best strikers in Europe. He was acclaimed as being among England's most natural goalscorers and won 26 caps for his country, scoring seven goals.
But he had a difficult relationship with former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier. In his autobiography Fowler claims he was forced to leave because of his treatment by the Frenchman.
"Obviously, since I have left, deep down I have always wanted to come back and it has been a long time but I'm glad to say I'm back now," added Fowler.
Current Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez believes Fowler can help his in-form team improve as the European champions bid to retain their crown and chase Chelsea in the Premier League.
"My idea is for Liverpool to take one step forward and I think Robbie can help us make that step," the Spaniard told the Merseyside club's website on Friday.
"We have signed a player with so much passion for this football club and I think he will act as an example to every player here in how much he loves Liverpool.
"It is a boost for the team, a boost for the supporters and a boost for Robbie himself. I'm not sure I've ever seen a player quite so happy to be joining a club before."
SURPRISE MOVE
Fowler left Liverpool to join Leeds United for 11 million pounds ($19.57 million) in November 2001 but was sold in January 2003 as Leeds tried to solve their debt crisis.
He has struggled to find his best form since his departure from Anfield and has had an unhappy time at City where he had to be talked out of retiring from the game.
Fowler made an impressive return to the first team this month with a hat-trick in the FA Cup win over Scunthorpe and another goal in the 3-1 derby win over Manchester United.
But once Liverpool came calling Toxteth-born Fowler, who scored 27 goals in 75 games for City, was delighted to move.
"Liverpool are his dream club and he wanted to leave and rejoin them," City manager Stuart Pearce told the Manchester club's website on Friday.
"If I refused him this opportunity of fulfilling his ambition it would not be good for him or Manchester City Football Club."
After a career recently blighted by injury Fowler has had his biggest wish granted but Benitez insists he has not signed the veteran striker to Anfield for sentimental reasons.
"He hasn't been signed because he loves the club, he's been signed because he's one of the best goalscorers ever to play in the Premiership and he can score goals for us right now.
"He's got a wealth of experience and he gives us more attacking options. He's a different kind of striker to what we have at the club and that is good for the team."
Fowler is ineligible for Sunday's FA Cup tie at Portsmouth but could make an emotional return in front of the Kop against Birmingham City in the Premier League on Wednesday.
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