Liverpool have completed the signing of Ajax’s Ryan Babel.

The deal will cost the Reds in an £11.5m with the Dutch striker agreeing a five-year contract.

“I listened to them and I got a great feeling about the club,” said Babel.

“I have made my choice with my heart and the coach has big plans for me.

“I have met Rafael Benitez and my conversation with him was the moment I knew the deal would get done.

“He is like the ideal father-in-law. He has a lot of football know-how and he told me that I would be challenging with six other players for four positions. I have a good feeling about things.

“I met Dirk Kuyt at training, who I knew from the national team. At that moment he did not feel like a rival but I suppose that is what will happen.

“It was very important how the coach spoke to me, how I would fit in his team. After that conversation I knew it was the right decision.”

Yossi Benayoun was also unveiled by Liverpool on Friday following his £5m move from West Ham.

Babel was a member of the Dutch team that won the European Under-21 Championship in June and he has been capped 14 times by the full Dutch team.