ALBERTO AQUILANI admits he cannot wait for the opportunity to line up as Liverpool player alongside Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

The Roma midfielder arrived on Merseyside yesterday to undergo a medical and negotiate personal terms after being given permission to speak to the Anfield outfit.

Liverpool had already agreed a fee that could eventually rise to £20million, which would make Aquilani the second-most expensive player in the club’s history.

Although the transfer has not yet been completed, Aquilani has already expressed his thanks to the Roma supporters.

And the 25-year-old says he could not resist the invitation to play for “one of the biggest clubs in the world”.

“Obviously I feel very sorry to leave my city and Roma,” said Aquilani.

“But should the deal be completed with Liverpool it would be fantastic to play with players like Gerrard and Torres and the others.

“Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“I am moving on. I want to cordially thank all the Roma fans, who were like neighbours to me and me to them. I was always a fan of Rome and still am.”

Rafael Benitez believes Aquilani is the perfect midfield replacement for Xabi Alonso, who left for Real Madrid in a £30m transfer on Tuesday.