Roberto Firmino, who was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United before moving to Liverpool FC, has revealed that he chose the Reds because they chased him for over a year.
The Brazil international sealed his move to the Merseyside giants in a a 40 million move, a deal hailed as a coup by Liverpool FC given that the player was heavily linked to Manchester United.
The Times reported the story that Liverpool FC had joined Manchester United in the race with the paper days before the move:
Liverpool are considering a move for Roberto Firmino, the Brazil midfielder, as they continue to prepare for the increasing likelihood that Raheem Sterling will join Manchester City this summer.
. Firmino, an attacking player who is also admired by Manchester United, is set to move to the Barclays Premier League, according to Roger Wittmann, his agent, and having watched Firmino repeatedly last season, Liverpool are deliberating over whether to harden their interest in him.
Liverpool FC Chased Me For A Year
The player has finally revealed why he chose the Reds in an interview to German paper Bild.
“I decided for Liverpool because they wanted me for over a year,a he told Bild. a There was a certain sympathy from the beginning and I had a good feeling from the start.
“I come to the best league in the world. I can grow there. Physically, it will be a new challenge due to the big number of games to be played with the five competitions.
“I am looking forward [to seeing] the fans at Anfield. I am already having goosebumps if I think of them singing ‘You’ll never walk alone’.a
Insisting that he will not be burdened by the transfer fee Liverpool paid for him, Firmino said that he is looking forward to linking up with fellow Brazilian Philippe Coutinho at Anfield.
“I dona t see my fee as burden. Rather as an appreciation and a compliment,a he added.
“It is an advantage that Coutinho is there. He is my compatriot and knows me and can make my familiarisation easier. And aside from that, we get on well.”
Firmino could prove to be a fantastic addition to the squad, as evident by his goal scoring prowess having netted 49 times in 153 appearances for Hoffenheim.