Departed Gerrard has lofty ambitions

The centre-half made the move to South Wales after four successful years with the Saddlers.

A deal understood to be worth around £200,000 has been struck although the Saddlers have secured a sell-on clause which means - if Gerrard is sold on - they will net more cash.

Now Gerrard has targeted promotion from the Championship with his new team, after penning a three-year deal with Dave Jones' side.

The player said: "I'm ambitious and now I'm a step closer to the Premier League with Cardiff.

"They, like me, are ambitious. It's clear they want to step up to the Premier League and I want to be part of that.

"As soon as I heard that Cardiff were interested in me I never gave it a second thought.

"I came down and had a look around and all the facilities are top notch. Everything is there for us to get into the Premier League."

Gerrard has targeted a top-flight reunion with cousin and Liverpool skipper Steven to highlight his ambition, despite never having played in either of the top two divisions.

But the former Everton trainee said: "The aim has always been to play against Stevie and Liverpool.

"Cardiff were desperately close to qualifying for the play-offs last season and from what I've seen the manager is building a squad who will challenge again – and go that step further."

The 22-year-old made 182 appearances for the Saddlers, scoring seven goals, and was named Player of the Season twice at the Banks's Stadium after signing on a free transfer in 2005.

He helped them win the League Two title in 2007 and insists he loved his time with the Saddlers, but couldn't turn down the Bluebirds.

He said: "Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed playing for Walsall and I will have fond memories of the club and the camaraderie among the lads.

"But I was keen to step up to Championship football and above.

"Cardiff offered me that chance."

Gerrard, who turns 23 on Monday, could make his Bluebirds debut when Chasetown visit the Cardiff City Stadium next Friday to open the new ground.