Liverpool completed the signing of exciting Italian striker Fabio Borini as Argentine midfielder Maxi Rodriguez left Anfield to join Newells Old Boys.
Borini becomes Rodgers' first high-profile signing after the 21-year-old completed a medical and agreed to personal terms at the club's Melwood training ground on Friday. The Reds will reportedly pay Roma around £8 million ($12.3 million).
Borini is familiar with Rodgers having played under him at Chelsea and then during a loan spell with Swansea City in 2011. Last season the striker scored 10 goals in 26 games, which earned him a call-up to the Italian national team. Borini was a part of the Italy squad that made the finals of Euro 2012, but did not play a single game.
"It feels really good -- and to be back in England as well," the former Chelsea player told Liverpool's official website. "It's a top club that has won a lot of trophies in the past, and will do so in the future we hope as well.
"I've got the trust of the manager and the club, which for me is very nice and I'm proud to be here."
Borini admitted Rodgers played a big part in bringing him to Anfield. "He was very important. I wouldn't say it was the key, but most of it came from him.
"Even during last season, I spoke with him a lot. I'd text him and ask if he was okay and congratulated him on the results he got with Swansea. First of all it is a relationship of friendship and afterwards it is a working one. That is more important than anything."
Rodgers said the Liverpool fans were going to love their new signing. "I was very keen to bring him here. Fabio fits the model of what we're trying to do in building not only for now, but also for the future.
"He's a big talent, 21 years of age, he scores goals, and his passion, focus and concentration is a very important part of his game -- and a big part of what you want from a player.
"I've known him since he had just turned 16 years of age. We (Chelsea) took him in from Bologna when he was 16 and he progressed incredibly well as a young player to go on to play for the first team at Chelsea.
"It didn't work out in terms of he couldn't agree a contract, but before he left I took him on loan to Swansea and he made a big, big impression there and really helped us in our promotion charge that season.
"He left and went away (to Roma) and in the last season he's done incredibly well.
"I think the supporters will love him. As I said, he's a goalscorer, but he's a multifunctional player who can play in a number of positions -- and someone I believe has got great growth.
"He's one of the few young players in the full Italian squad. I'd anticipate that over the next two or three years he'll really progress and I'm sure do very well for Liverpool."
Meanwhile, Rodriguez left Merseyside to join former club Newell's Old Boys. The Argentine international never really established himself at Anfield after making a move from Atletico Madrid in January 2010. The 31-year-old, after some standout performances, was a fans favorite, however, and he wrote an open letter to the Liverpool supporters.
"Dear Reds, I am leaving Liverpool FC today," the letter read.
"Before signing for LFC, I just saw the club as one of the greatest institutions in the game. After my time here I can confirm that this is not just a great club but also a great family.
"I have tried to give everything every day that I was wearing the LFC crest. It has been a great honour to defend this shirt during two and a half years.
"I am returning home with a suitcase full of great memories, good friends within the team and also within this great family that works every day in the club.
"Thanks a lot for your support. Hasta la vista."
