Skrtel, 23, and a £6.5million addition to Rafael Benitez's squad, was part of the Zenit St Petersburg side which lost at Goodison Park last month in the UEFA Cup.

The newly-crowned Russian champions were knocked out of Europe that night, but Skrtel realised what a good career move it would be for him to return to England as quickly as possible.

It is believed Valencia, Tottenham and Everton all showed interest in the Slovakian, and Benitez revealed that it was the centre-back's display against Andrew Johnson that night that convinced him to try to sign him.

Benitez said: "We watched him at Everton and he played against Andy Johnson and did very well, he was not afraid and had great pace and aggression."

Skrtel said: "It is going to be hard for me here, there is great competition in defence, but I will give everything to prove I can play at this level for Liverpool.

"I remember that night at Everton well, and I knew then that I wanted to play in England."

Skrtel could make his debut on Tuesday against Luton in the FA Cup third round replay, and said: "Obviously I was aware about the competition for places. Jamie Carragher, Sami Hyypia and Daniel Agger are players with immense quality.

"I will do my best to get into the team as soon as possible. For any team to have competition in all positions is good and I will work as hard as possible to challenge for a place. Rafa hasn't said too much to me about my place just yet."

As well as getting used to new surroundings here on Merseyside, Skrtel will embark on a crash course in English. Not that he will need as many lessons as some who arrive at Melwood.

He explained: "The coach at Zenit, (Dutchman) Dick Advocaat, spoke English to the players, so I already know many of the football phrases - that should help."

Skrtel admits he owes Advocaat a debt of gratitude, not only for the English lessons, but for allowing him to complete a dream move to the Premier League.

He said: "The past few days have been full of anxiety and wait but I'm glad it's all sorted now and I am finally a Liverpool player.

"I would like to say a big 'thank you' to Zenit St Petersburg for allowing me to come to Liverpool. I was under contract at Zenit and they helped me with this move.

"When I played against Everton it showed me why I always wanted to play in the English league. I am very happy to be here."

The player also revealed the move to Liverpool means he will have to give up his other favourite pastime, ice hockey.

He said: "As a child I played a lot of hockey. When I was at Zenit we had a winter break and the manager let me play hockey then. Now I'm here at Liverpool I won't be able to do that any more."