Pompey move is no step down, says Crouch after move from Liverpool

Crouch, 27, has agreed a four-year deal at Fratton Park after three years at Liverpool where, despite winning the adulation of the Anfield faithful, he never found himself at the forefront of Rafael Benitez's long-term plans.  

Despite turning his back on the Reds and Champions League football, the England striker believes he is joining a club very much on the up and one who will see the best of his abilities.  

New blue: Peter Crouch (left) with manager Harry Redknapp pose with Crouch's Portsmouth shirt

Crouch, who left Pompey to move to Aston Villa in 2002, said: It is fantastic to be back, the club is going places and I have worked here before and the manager always gets the best out of me.  

'I feel I have got the best years of my career to come and it will be at Portsmouth,' he said.

'I have left a great club but this club is going where it can be. I had a fantastic three years at Liverpool and I would not change it for the world. I am privileged to have played for such a top club.  

'Towards the end I did not get as many games as I would have liked but I will only take good memories away.  

'In no way am I stepping down, I feel I am joining a club that is going places with a new stadium, a new training ground and some very good players.'

Crouch will probably start the season alongside Jermain Defoe in an imposing new-look Pompey attack which will be one of the few all-English striking duos in the Premier League.  

A blossoming partnership at Fratton Park could give Fabio Capello food for thought ahead of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.  

Crouch said: 'I have played with Jermain a few times at under-21 and international level and we have got a good record together.  

'We know each other's games inside out and if we play together we will click straight away. We have got a few England players in the side and it is good to have international players playing regularly together.  

'But there is no guarantee and I have to earn my place, but it is something I look forward to.  

'We have got a good side now and Harry Redknapp has faith in me.'

Shake on it: Crouch and Redknapp seal the former's move to Fratton Park

Delighted Pompey boss Redknapp added: 'They (Crouch and Defoe) finished up playing in the last international and it is a good prospect, having a big 'un and little 'un.  

'I am delighted to have him back here because I think he is a terrific player. I never expected to see him back again.  

'People always talk about him being tall but he has got great feet - you only have to see some of the goals he scored last season. 

'He is not in the England squad for nothing. He went to Liverpool and did well and established himself in the England team and proved he is a top player.'

Crouch left Pompey in March 2002 after hitting 19 goals in 39 games when they were a struggling second tier outfit with little obvious chance of achieving top-flight status.  

His £5million departure helped fund the following season's promotion to the Premier League and since then they have gone from strength to strength, culminating in last season's FA Cup win.  

Crouch, who also played under Redknapp for Southampton in 2004/05, continued: 'They have built a good side and there have been big changes, the club is unrecognisable from the last time I was here. It is a very strong side and we can compete against anyone.  

'Walking through the doors brought back a lot of great memories but as a side and a squad it has certainly improved and we have got a chance to progress even more.'