Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has congratulated Liverpool for winning the race for Joe Cole.
Kop manager Roy Hodgson, currently at the club's training camp in Switzerland, is celebrating a stunning first signing by snapping up the England midfielder to kick-off his plans to revitalise the failing giants.
And Redknapp, Cole's first boss at West Ham, said: "What a fantastic signing Roy has made.
"Joe Cole on a free transfer is worth every penny.
"Were he under contract you would be looking at a £10million transfer fee just for starters.
"The Liverpool fans are going to love him. There has only ever been one King of the Kop and that was Kenny Dalglish, not even Kevin Keegan was good enough in his prime to take that away from him. It's obviously up to Roy where he plays him but you could see Joe playing just off the frontman the way Kenny used to.
"Joe wants to be involved, he doesn't want to be left to drift out on the wing any more. We tried our very hardest to get him. The chairman made Joe a fantastic offer.
"But, in the end, we were competing with a club that has years and years of tradition and a reputation as one of the biggest clubs in the world.
"I got a lovely message from Joe to inform me of his decision.
"He explained it. I think he wants to move for football reasons. He wants to be part of a transformation at Liverpool. I think maybe getting away from London and a clean break was part of it too. Whatever his reasons he has been genuine the whole way through. Joe is a bit of a throw-back, if you like.
"He has class and his manners are impeccable. I will always see him as the 11-year-old boy I first clapped eyes on at West Ham and I can only wish him all the best and hope his move is successful."
