"Firmino and Klopp convinced me to join Liverpool" says Fabinho

Posted Wednesday, May 30, 2018 by squawka.com

Liverpool's new signing Fabinho has revealed how both Roberto Firmino and Jurgen Klopp persuaded him to join the club.

The Merseyside club announced the signing of the Monaco player on Monday for £44m, making him the third-most expensive signing in the club's history behind Virgil van Dijk and Naby Keita.

The 24 year old Brazilian midfielder will officially join the Reds on July 1 after the clubs have settled on the exact fee.

The deal comes just days after Liverpool lost the Champions League final to Real Madrid in Kiev and could help lift the mood following the defeat.

The Brazilian was being tracked by a number of Europe's top clubs but Fabinho has revealed that he was persuaded to become a Red thanks to Jurgen Klopp and compatriot Roberto Firmino.

"I spoke by phone with Firmino," he said, via RMC Sport.

"I know him personally, I have been in the Brazil squad with him.

"I was able to talk with the coach as well, with people working at the club.

"They gave me a lot of confidence, they showed me that they really wanted me. When we met, everything went very well.

"The contact had been over a few weeks. It was three, four weeks that I spoke with them.

"I spoke with people from the club, with the coach, which gave me a lot of confidence. I wanted to go to a club that really wanted me, which showed great interest.

"With all that, it was easy to say yes. I thought a little and told my agent that he could continue the transfer. I am very happy that it is done from the beginning of the transfer window."

Fabinho revealed that he had a "real" decision to make after receiving a serious offer from another club, with speculation suggesting that it was Manchester United. Fabinho's agent, Jorge Mendes, also represents Jose Mourinho and it was thought that the Brazilian midfielder could end up at Old Trafford next season while Arsenal were also linked with the player.

"I had two choices," he added. "Real choices, not just interests. I do not want to talk about other clubs.

"It's done, I'm a Liverpool player. I had already decided."

Liverpool have signed a player that has shown himself to be a consistent performer. In each of the last three campaigns he has made over 100 tackles and directly contributed to at least ten goals.

Liverpool are clearly looking ahead to next season early after securing a top-four finish in this year's campaign and after reaching the Champions League final.