Indeed, the day after it was announced Liverpool had captured Cole’s signature, Gerrard ended speculation over his own future by reaffirming his Anfield commitment. And Cole admits: “That was the best bit of news I could have had. I know Stevie, he is Liverpool through and through and I know from playing with him and against him for the last 10 years what a quality player he is.

“I know how much this club means to him. I think players can play for other clubs but with Liverpool you have to live and breathe it. It’s that kind of a place.”

Cole is hopeful Fernando Torres follows Gerrard is staying put, and is eager to start fashioning openings for the Spaniard to continue his remarkable goalscoring record at Anfield.

“I’d like to make a lot of chances for Fernando and the front boys,” he says. “I don’t want to say I’ll do this and that, I’ll just say the fans will have a player who is going to give his all. From what I hear, that’s all the people want.

“I am used to playing with world class players. I am excited about playing with Fernando and obviously I know Stevie, Carra and Jonno from the England set-up. Pepe Reina, Aquilani, there are a lot of big name players here.

“I want to be a success here and I’ll do everything I can for the team to make it work.”