Henderson: I can learn from Gerrard at Liverpool

By Sportsmail Reporter Updated: 17:59 EDT, 9 June 2011

Jordan Henderson is determined to emulate Steven Gerrard after Liverpool finally completed the midfielder's £20million signing.

The 20-year-old admitted it was a wrench to leave his boyhood club Sunderland, but the chance to work alongside players of Gerrard's calibre was impossible to resist.

Boot-iful: New signing Jordan Henderson poses proudly at Liverpool's Melwood training ground

Henderson, who has put pen to paper on a five-year deal, said: 'I've trained with Steven once for England and he was unbelievable.

'Steven has been a massive, massive player for Liverpool for years now and he still is. Hopefully I can learn a lot from him.'

He added: 'Obviously it's hard to leave your local club. I'm a Sunderland lad, I've supported them all my life. But I'm really looking forward to the future now and obviously this is a massive opportunity for me. I'm really excited by it.'

'Coming to a massive club like Liverpool, there is always going to be competition. Hopefully I can keep working hard, keep improving, and get my chance on the pitch.'

On the move: Henderson (right) has joined Liverpool on what the club call a 'long-term contract'

A statement on Liverpool's official website read: 'Liverpool Football Club have completed the signing of Jordan Henderson after the 20-year-old passed a medical and agreed personal terms.  

'Henderson travelled to Merseyside on Wednesday after a fee was agreed with Sunderland. He then underwent a medical examination in Liverpool before signing a long-term deal.  

'The midfielder has now joined the England Under 21 squad in Denmark as they prepare for the European Championships.  

'Henderson's first game after completing his transfer is likely to be against Spain Under 21s on Sunday.'

Big-money: Henderson (left) and new £16m Manchester United signing Phil Jones in England Under 21 training

It had been thought Reds striker David Ngog might travel in the opposite direction as part of the transfer but for now the Frenchman remains at Anfield. 

Henderson is Liverpool's first signing of the summer and - following the big-money captures of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez in January - the third high-profile new recruit since Fenway Sports Group's takeover of the club and Kenny Dalglish's return as manager last season.   

Although currently with Stuart Pearce's England Under 21s in Denmark, Henderson won his first senior international cap against France last November and his value has soared over the past year, despite a recent dip in form. 

Through the ranks: Henderson is a product of Sunderland's youth academy

The Sunderland-born player is a product of the Wearsiders' youth academy and he made his Black Cats debut in a 5-0 defeat to Chelsea in November 2008. In total he has made 79 appearances for the club, scoring five goals, and he also spent a spell on loan at Coventry in the 2008-09 season.

Sunderland had been reluctant to part company with one of their prized assets, but chairman Niall Quinn said Henderson leaves with their blessing. He is the second key player to depart the Stadium of Light in 2011 after Darren Bent's January move to Aston Villa, but manager Steve Bruce should now have funds to strengthen.  

Dalglish, meanwhile, is likely to continue doing business in the transfer window as he attempts to rejuvenate his squad this summer.  

Liverpool are believed to retain interest in Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam, while Ipswich youngster Connor Wickham is thought to be another target.