Brendan Rodgers has been confirmed as the new Liverpool manager.
The former Swansea City boss has inked a three-year contract with the Anfield club, having overseen the Welsh club's impressive debut season in the Premier League.
The Northern Irishman said: "I'm blessed to be given this opportunity. I'm really excited and I can't wait to get started on this incredible project going forward. I promise to dedicate my life to fight for this club and defend the great principles of Liverpool Football Club on and off the field."
"This is a long-term job," Rodgers added. "I want to defend the principles of this football club, which is attacking football with tactical discipline.
"It's been almost 20 years since they won the title - being realistic, we might not be ready now, but the process [towards that] begins today."
Club owner John W Henry labelled the 39-year-old's appointment as "an important step" and promised supporters it was a move they "can be excited about".
"Brendan's comprehensive football philosophy is perfectly aligned with those at the club and those soon to join the club," Henry stated.
"He was the first choice unanimously among them and he had no hesitation at all in embracing exactly what we want to try to build at Liverpool.
"We do not expect miracles overnight nor should anyone else. But we firmly believe that the direction the club is heading in will lead to Premier League championships. We will embrace the unconventional, build the right way and together set a bold, exciting course for this historic club."
Henry had met with Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez in Miami last week, while the Reds also approached Ajax manager Frank de Boer as conducted an "extensive two-week process".
Reds goalkeeper Pepe Reina also weighed in by stating Rafael Benitez was the "ideal candidate" for "my colleagues and me".
"He is the coach who shaped me most, he's the best," the Spanish goalkeeper claimed.
Rodgers rejected the Reds' overtures two weeks ago and on Monday Swansea said no fresh approach had been made by Liverpool to speak to the former Reading manager.
But after a flurry of bets, Rodgers was made favourite for the Reds hot seat earlier in the week, prior to his appointment at L4.
Rodgers guided Swansea to an excellent debut season in the Premier League, finishing 11th in the table on 47 points - just five behind Dalglish's Liverpool.
The Scot was sacked in May, with the club's dire domestic form cited for his dismissal after less than 18 months back in the managerial hot seat.
Ultimately, Rodgers' last match in charge for the Swans came against Liverpool - whom were beaten 1-0 at the Liberty Stadium.
