Liverpool today sealed the transfer of Joe Cole after he passed his medical and then announced he has been given the No10 shirt.
After agreeing personal terms on Monday there was speculation the midfielder would play in the No7 shirt made famous by Anfield legends such as Kenny Dalglish, Kevin Keegan and Peter Beardsley.
However, that number has become something of a burden in recent seasons — Robbie Keane left Anfield just six months after joining from Tottenham while Harry Kewell's stay was blighted by injury — so perhaps Cole has been lucky in being handed the No10.
He will still have something to live up to, though, as that shirt has been worn with distinction by players such as John Barnes, Terry McDermott, Jan Molby, Luis Garcia and John Toshack. Cole linked up with the Liverpool squad at their training camp in Switzerland yesterday to undergo his medical.
The England international, who was released by Chelsea this summer, has signed a four-year deal worth £100,000 a week.
However, boss Roy Hodgson said: "We wanted to make it clear we wanted him for football reasons and only if he fitted in with our wage structure.
"I'm pleased to say that Joe has chosen Liverpool to come and play football — and not because of the money. That's very satisfying for me and the club."
One player who will not be at Anfield next season is Philipp Degen, who has been told he can look for a new club.
The Switzerland right-back has struggled since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2008. Hodgson said: "We have had an amicable conversation with him and he wants to play football."
