Portsmouth Football Club News

Peter Storrie paid tribute to Glen Johnson after the England international completed his move to Liverpool. Pompey’s executive chairman said the right-back’s impact had been immense in his three years at Fratton Park. Liverpool have paid Pompey an undisclosed fee for the 24-year-old defender, who has signed a four-year deal at Anfield. Storrie said: “Glen made a fantastic contribution here: he won the FA Cup with us and got his England place back. He just got better and better. “Glen’s a fantastic guy and it’s a great opportunity for him to join an outstanding club who can offer him Champions League football. “We didn’t want to lose him but we couldn’t stand in his way. “We wish him all the best for next season - apart from the two games when we play Liverpool.” Johnson initially joined Pompey on a season-long loan from Chelsea in the summer of 2006, before returning to Fratton Park in August 2007. The Greenwich-born defender grew in stature during his time on the south coast, building a reputation as one of the best right-backs in the Premier League. That was never more apparent than in 2008/9, when he was named in the PFA Team of the Season and won every player-of-the-season award at Pompey. Johnson made 99 appearances for the Blues, scoring four goals, including Match of the Day’s 2008/9 Goal of the Season - a stunning 35-yard volley against Hull at Fratton Park last November. He also played a key role in Pompey’s successful FA Cup campaign last year, culminating in the historic 1-0 victory over Cardiff City at Wembley. Johnson’s consistent performances saw him return to the England fold, with the defender receiving his first cap in three years in March 2008 when he made a substitute appearance against France. Since then he has added a further nine caps to his tally (taking him to 15) firmly establishing himself as Fabio Capello’s first choice right-back. Most recently he won universal praise for his star turn in England’s 6-0 romp over Andorra, a game that saw him set up four of the goals and pick up the Nationwide man-of-the match award. Johnson is due back at Fratton Park on Saturday, December 19, when Liverpool are the visitors. The return fixture is at Anfield on Saturday, March 13.

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