'We're here to win'

John Henry today addressed the world's media alongside Chairman Martin Broughton, Managing Director Christian Purslow and Commercial Director Ian Ayre as news broke that New England Sports Ventures had completed the purchase of Liverpool Football Club.

In what were frenzied scenes inside the lobby of the offices of the law firm Slaughter and May, fans joined the press in trying to get the first word on a story that has never been out of the news headlines all week.

Here's a full transcript of what was said in front of the media scrum:

Martin Broughton: "As every Liverpool fan knows, the most nerve-wracking way to win a match is in a penalty shoot-out but in the end, as long as you get the right result, it is worth the wait. And we have got the right result. John, well done."

John Henry:  "I am proud and humble. We've got a lot of work to do and I can't tell you how happy I am that we have finally, finally got to this point."

Journalist: What can you tell us about the deal Mr Henry? How much is the deal worth and what are you hoping to achieve as Liverpool owner?

JH: "I have actually no idea what the deal is worth. It depends on what day it is."

Journalist: What's your message for the fans?

JH: "We're not going to have a lot to say, our actions will hopefully speak for us. We are going to do a lot of listening and we have a lot to learn. Our actions will hopefully speak for us."

To watch John Henry meet the press for the first time click on the play button below>>

Journalist: How much are you going to invest in Liverpool's squad to return it to its former glories?

JH: "It's too early to say what we're going to do but we're here to win, we have a tradition of winning - we (the Boston Red Sox) are the second-highest spending club in Major League Baseball and we're here to win, we will do whatever is necessary."

Journalist: Mr Henry, what do you think of the legal challenge made by Tom Hicks and George Gillett? They are claiming damages of one billion dollars?

JH: "Well, why is it only that much?"

Journalist: Will you build a new stadium for Liverpool?

JH: "It's too early to say what's going to happen on the stadium front."

Journalist: Will you be at Sunday's Merseyside derby?

JH: "I think it's better for our first experience with the supporters to be at home."

Journalist: Martin, what's this period been like for you?

MB: "It's been pretty stressful but we've been confident all the way through that we would get there. We knew we were doing the right thing, would get justice and I think we got that in the end."

Journalist: Mr Broughton, what happens to you personally now, as Chairman and Christian Purslow as Managing Director?

MB: "For the time being I'll be staying on in a transitional role as John works out how he wants to run the club."

Journalist: Can you guarantee this is not a leverage buyer?

JH: "I can guarantee that."

Journalist: How are you funding Liverpool, Mr Henry?

JH: "With pounds."

Author: Paul Hassall