Bristol City have signed England goalkeeper David James following his release from Portsmouth.

“I’ve had offers to stay in the Premier League but it is more important that I play football – which I love – for the right club and be a family man,” he told City’s official website.

“I had a long conversation with the chairman Steve Lansdown yesterday and I liked what he said about the club and his ambition. I know all about the plans for a new stadium and desire to win promotion to the Premier League.

“The club is ambitious and that’s what I am. The south west has not had a club in the Premier League and that needs to change.”

Having started his career at Watford, he went on to make 216 league appearances for Liverpool in a seven-year stint at the club.

In 1999, James moved to Aston Villa before spells at West Ham, Manchester City and Portsmouth.

He arrived at Fratton Park in 2006 but was let go at the end of last season after 158 appearances and an FA Cup winners’ medal in 2008, following their relegation to the Championship.

The 39-year-old passed a medical at Ashton Gate on Friday and will be introduced to the City fans Saturday afternoon before the friendly against Blackpool.