Liverpool announced the signing of midfielder Thiago Alcantara on Friday to complete his transfer from fellow European champions Bayern Munich.

Thiago discussed his excitement with the club's official website:

"I think it's an amazing feeling. I was waiting for this moment for a long time and I am very, very happy to be here.

"When the years are passing, you are trying to win as much as you can – and when you win, you want to win more. I think this club describes what I am as well; I want to achieve all of the goals, win as many trophies as possible.

"It also [has] this kind of family [feeling] that I need because we [like to] have a very close relationship with the club and I think I will feel this, I will have this feeling, with this club as well."

Thiago spent the past seven years with Bayern after starting his senior club career with Barcelona in 2009.

The 29-year-old Spanish international remained a key cog in the German side's lineup last season, including a start in the UEFA Champions League final win over Paris Saint-Germain to complete a treble. He recorded three goals and two assists in 34 appearances between the Bundesliga and Champions League.

Sky Sports reported Liverpool paid Bayern £20 million to complete the transfer with the potential for £5 million more in add-ons.

The Reds opened their Premier League title defense with a 4-3 victory over Leeds United on Saturday. Their next match comes Sunday with a high-profile clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, although Thiago will not be registered in time to feature.