Charlie Adam: ‘I am not at Liverpool to replace Xabi Alonso’

New Liverpool signing Charlie Adam has said that he has not joined the Anfield club to replace former midfielder Xabi Alonso.

The World Cup winner's departure to Real Madrid at the end of the 2008/09 season coincided with the club's sudden downturn in form, as touted replacement Alberto Aquilani struggled with injuries.

However, with the club now looking to offload the Italian, Adam has distanced himself from comparisons to the Spaniard.

"Xabi Alonso was a top player at this club," the Scot told reporters. "He's a World Cup winner, he's won the European Championships."

"He's done everything as a player and he's at one of the best clubs in the world with Real Madrid, so it's nice to know that people think I might come in and replace him - but I'm coming here to be Charlie Adam and not to replace anybody else."

Adam arrived at Anfield for a fee of £7m from Championship side Blackpool.