Takumi Minamino has admitted he was “surprised” when Liverpool made a move to sign him from Red Bull Salzburg, but insists he feels like he’s been “playing here for several months”.
Having played on Merseyside during the Champions League this season, that was a big moment in his career that gave him the confidence and conviction to press on further in his development.
Minamino told France Football: “I received an offer from what is currently the best club on the planet – that means a lot to me.
“I felt that I was very fortunate. I knew that Liverpool were interested in me.
“I was surprised, but after having faced them twice in the Champions’ League and having had the opportunity to speak with Jurgen Klopp, I became more and more excited to take this challenge on.
“The fact that I scored a goal at Anfield gave me a certain level of confidence. I said to myself that I want to savour this atmosphere more often.”
Minamino also explained how much he is loving life in England so far, with everyone at the club making him feel incredibly welcome.
He added: “Only a few days have passed since I arrived, but I already feel like I have been playing here for several months.
“It is all the love that I have received from the manager, the staff and my teammates… Liverpool gives you a phenomenal environment in which to focus on football.
“I remember that Klopp came to see me after the first training session and said to me: ‘Don’t worry about who you are playing with now, play in the same way as you did at Salzburg, play the Minamino way. Enjoy yourself!’”
Liverpool face Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this afternoon, in a game which could see the talented attacker play his first minutes in the English top flight.