Liverpool Legend

Biography

Johnson was rewarded for getting his career back on track with a move to Liverpool in June 2009, for a fee believed to be in the region of £17m.

After picking up an FA Cup winners' medal with Portsmouth and becoming a regular in Fabio Capello's full England squad, he put himself back on the map after a career littered with misdemeanors.

Johnson first burst onto the scene towards the end of the 2002-03 season with West Ham United. He was a complete unknown before being drafted into the club's ill-fated relegation battle but soon won plaudits from all quarters.

Despite West Ham's relegation, Johnson pledged his future at the end of the campaign. But a £6m bid from Chelsea was too good to turn down, and Johnson made the switch after playing just 16 games for the Hammers.

He was handed his full England debut in November 2003 against Denmark, however, his fortunes changed in 2005-06. His first appearance of the season was as a half-time substitute in England's friendly in Denmark and was woeful as England let in four goals. Then a few weeks later he was sent home from the England Under-21 squad for a general lack of enthusiasm and professionalism.

The 2006-07 season saw Johnson move to Portsmouth on loan in a bid to revive his career. He looked to be rediscovering his form until a bad injury and he courted controversy again in January when he, along with former Millwall player Ben May, was arrested at a B&Q store in Dartford for attempting to steal bathroom fittings. Both received £80 fines.

Johnson joined Portsmouth permanently in August 2007 on the last day of the transfer window, signing a four-year deal after completing a £4m move from Chelsea and made the right-back position his own with some accomplished performances. Over the course of his 36 appearances he became something of a fans' favourite thanks to his attacking forays, and his role in helping the club lift the FA Cup.

That season he also returned to the England fold, called up for the friendly with France. And from then on he was a fixture for Capello in England's squad for the World Cup qualifying campaign.

With Pompey needing to sell players there was little surprise that he was sold in the summer of 2009, though Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez admitted he overspent on Johnson to get him to Anfield. That said, he landed himself the future of England's right side and Johnson showed his quality would backup the investment.