Liverpool signs striker Sturridge from Chelsea

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) -Daniel Sturridge became Liverpool's first signing of the January transfer window on Wednesday when the striker completed his move from Chelsea.

The 23-year-old England international has joined Liverpool for around 12 million pounds ($19.6 million) after struggling to establish himself in the starting lineup since joining Chelsea from Manchester City in July 2011.

Now Sturridge will be hoping to kickstart his career at Liverpool, which is languishing in 10th place in the English Premier League.

"I am humbled and happy to be here,'' Sturridge said. "(Manager) Brendan Rodgers said he sees me here for a long time - and I also see myself here for a long time. I've not signed here to play for a couple of years and then move on.

"I've signed to be here for as long as possible. It's a humongous club - for me, one of the biggest in the world - and to have the fans and world-class players we have here is amazing.''

Liverpool described the contract as long term without elaborating.