Tottenham Hotspur Sign Former Liverpool Defender Robertson

London: Tottenham signed former Liverpool defender Andy Robertson on a free transfer on Friday, ending the Scotland captain's nine-year spell at Anfield.

Robertson will officially join Tottenham on a free transfer on July 1 after his Liverpool contract expires.

The 32-year-old nearly left Anfield for Tottenham in January, but Liverpool eventually halted the deal after they were unable to bring back Kostas Tsimikas from the defender's loan at Roma.

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi was appointed after that aborted attempt to sign Robertson, but he has given the green light to the left-back's move to north London.

"Andy is someone I've admired for a number of years and he will bring outstanding technical qualities, experience, leadership and mentality to our team," De Zerbi said.

"He is a proven winner at the highest level over a long period and is someone who can be a big player for us, both on and off the pitch."

Robertson's immediate focus will be on captaining Scotland at the World Cup, before he links up with Tottenham ahead of the start of the domestic season in August.

"I'm in America just now preparing for the World Cup, but I just wanted to send you a quick message to say I cannot wait to play for you guys," Robertson said in a video message from Scotland's camp.

"I cannot wait to meet you guys, I cannot wait to play in the stadium for the first time in front of you and I'm already looking forward to next season."

Robertson will compete with Destiny Udogie for the left-back role in De Zerbi's starting line-up.

"First and foremost he is an outstanding left-back -- one of the best of all time in the Premier League, and someone who will improve our squad," Tottenham sporting director Johan Lange said.

"In addition, his quality, character and leadership have been evident throughout a career in which he has regularly competed for -- and won -- major honours.

"Andy's professionalism and commitment will also be invaluable to the development of our squad, and he shares our ambition and determination to bring success back to the club."

Robertson won the Premier League twice, the League Cup twice and the FA Cup once during his successful spell at Liverpool.

He was part of the Reds' 2019 Champions League-winning team.