Liverpool striker Christian Benteke says the chance to win silverware was the primary motivation behind leaving Aston Villa for Merseyside.

The Reds confirmed the addition of the Belgium international on 22 July, with the 24 year old agreeing a long-term deal with the Anfield club.

Benteke netted 49 goals in 101 appearances for Villa across three seasons with the Midlands side and helped them reach last season's FA Cup final.

But after successive seasons battling at the wrong end of the table, Benteke is relishing the chance to challenge for trophies on a regular basis with Liverpool.

"I think there are quality players, a lot of good players with big names of course," he told Liverpool's official website. "I'm happy to be part of this team and will [try] to help this team reach its goals.

"I came here to win trophies. I came here to reach some great goals with the team.

"It's about winning trophies. It's about doing something in [my] career I can maybe explain to my son or my kids what I did."

Confirmation of Benteke's move to Liverpool ends a long-running transfer saga regarding the forward, while it also represents the first addition since the departure of Raheem Sterling to Manchester City.

Sky Sports has reported that Liverpool matched Benteke's £32.5m ($50.7m) release clause on 17 July, with personal terms and the player's medical taking nearly a week to complete.

Benteke is not expected to meet his new teammates until next week and could make his debut for the club either against HJK on 1 August or Swindon Town on 2 August.

"I'm very happy to be here and I would like to thank the owners, Ian [Ayre] and of course the manager for their massive effort," added Benteke, whose official debut could come against Stoke City on 9 August.

"I think it was the right club for me because I had a good chat with the manager and I wanted to be part of his project.

"I think when I came here with Aston Villa [it was] a great feeling to play at Anfield. Now, to be in the home shirt is going to be an exciting feeling.

"I'm very happy to be part of the Liverpool family and I will do everything to make [the supporters] happy and work hard for them and my teammates."

More about Christian Benteke
Liverpool FC