MILAN JOVANOVIC says the managerial change at Liverpool had no bearing on his move to Anfield.

The Serbian international signed a pre-contract agreement to join the club on a Bosman deal prior to Rafael Benitez’s departure at the start of last month.

Since then, Roy Hodgson has been installed as Benitez’s successor.

Initially it was thought Hodgson’s appointment might scupper the Jovanovic deal. However, Hodgson has now revealed the Standard Liege attacker was on Fulham’s radar during his time in charge at Craven Cottage.

That will come as a boost to Jovanovic who has joined his new teammates on their pre-season training camp in Switzerland.

“I chose to sign for Liverpool Football Club, and that is it. It’s very simple,” he said. “Liverpool was always my biggest wish and to be here is a great day in my career and in my life.

“I knew they were following my games for Standard Liege and also the Serbian national side and when they first made contact with me I was very happy.

“Liverpool was my only choice and I’m pleased the negotiations were successful. Now I want to do as well as I can for the club over the next three years.”

Jovanovic is unlikely to figure in Liverpool’s first pre-season match on Saturday against Saudi Arabian champions Al Hilal.

With Sotirios Kyrgiakos, he is one of just two of Liverpool’s World Cup players to be included on the 10-day training camp.

Jovanovic will have to wait until he is back at Melwood to get acquainted with the club’s bigger names.

“When you speak about Liverpool you are speaking about one of the biggest clubs in the world, maybe for me, the biggest,” said the 29-year-old.

“You are talking about an historical club which has won the Champions League five times.

“I can’t wait to play at Anfield and hear ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’; the best song in the world.