Liverpool's new signing Dominik Szoboszlai has revealed the reason he took the No 8 shirt previously worn by legend Steven Gerrard.
The Hungarian completed his move from Leipzig to Liverpool yesterday by signing a five-year contract which is still subject to a work permit.
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Talks between the former Liverpool captain and the club are said to have advanced ahead of the appointment.
On Friday, hours before it was set to expire, the Reds paid £60 million to activate his release clause.
Szoboszlai was given the iconic No 8 jersey which was previously worn by Steve Gerrard and sees the former Liverpool star as an inspiration.
Szoboszlai has a tattoo of Steven Gerrard
Szoboszlai has said he was a big fan of Steve Gerrard when he was young and that the No 8 jersey is an inspiration to him.
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Liverpool’s new signing Szoboszlai said, as reported by Fabrizio on Twitter, “I will be number 8 as I have a tattoo from Steven Gerrard. That was the reason why. He was one of the biggest when I was a child”
He also said, as reported by Daily Mail, “When I was a child, to be honest, I didn't watch that much football but of course when it was Champions League or a big game, I was watching Liverpool, the big teams and also the big players – and he was one of the biggest.
“The last three or four days went really long; it was not that easy. But at the end, I'm here, I'm happy and I can't wait to get started.”
Szoboszlai happy to join Liverpool
Szoboszlai has expressed his pleasure at joining Jurgen Klopp's side Liverpool who he has always admired.
Still speaking, he said, “I was really happy (on hearing of Liverpool’s interest) but I stayed calm because I didn’t want to be too happy (too) early.
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“As I said, I think in 2020, (Klopp is) one of the best coaches in the world. How he acts next to the pitch, it is like he plays with the guys. I like that really a lot.
“And also what he has achieved with this club is also really impressive, so I am looking forward to working with him.”
The Hungarian international became Liverpool's second signing of the summer after World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister joined from Brighton.