England winger Jermaine Pennant has gone on loan to Premier League club Portsmouth for the rest of the season from Liverpool.
It has been confirmed the former Arsenal winger shall join Portsmouth on loan for the rest of the 2007-2008 season. Speaking to Pompey’s official website, club manager Tony Adams explained:
“I’ve known him a long time. We were together at Arsenal a long, long time ago. He was the new kid on the block and a very exciting prospect.
“He’s quick and technically very gifted. He can have a go at defenders. I saw him play with Peter Crouch for Liverpool at Fulham last year and was constantly getting past their left-back and getting crosses in for Crouchie.
“That’s a good combination that I wanted to put back together. He’s going to put some good crosses in and hopefully weigh in with a few goals himself.”
Meanwhile, Pennant said to Portsmouth’s official website:
“It’s been frustrating this season but the Liverpool manager decided he didn’t want to play me for whatever reason. But now I want to help Pompey climb the table.
“Tony’s (Adams)given me the opportunity to come here and hopefully play regular first-team football. I played with him at Arsenal, so I know what he’s like. He was desperate for me to come which is very encouraging to hear. I want to repay some of that confidence by coming here and doing the best that I can.”
Pennant was alsi linked with a move to the mighty Real Madrid this month but was reported to have turned down the offer.