Virgil van Dijk calls out Liverpool’s “jealous” domestic rivals for revelling in the Reds’ Champions League final defeat.
Liverpool’s new signing Fabinho hopes to follow the example of compatriot Roberto Firmino in not only adapting quickly to life in England but taking his game to the next level.
Brazil international midfielder Fabinho, 24, has joined the Champions League runners-up from Monaco in a deal reported to be worth €50 million and he is targeting a similar upward trajectory to Firmino who has become a key player under Jurgen Klopp.
“I’ve been following Liverpool for a few years, in particular since Firmino arrived,” he told LFC TV. “After he arrived here he was able to achieve higher development at this football club. Because he had success, I hope the same happens to me.
“We spoke a bit more about the infrastructure of the club, the city and we also spoke about the coaches and how they do their work so I was able to know a bit more about Liverpool through Firmino.
“I had been with him at the Brazilian national team on a few occasions. I know he’s a fantastic person, his background is from nice people. He is also very good for someone who comes to a new country, a new city — someone who speaks the same language. This will of course make the adaptation much easier.”
In an interview with France Football, Fabinho said that Klopp and Firmino were crucial in him deciding to move to Anfield.
“I spoke to the manager and everything went well. He detailed the way he works, his training, the history of the club, and his structures,” he said. “He told me that he was counting on me and explained how the team plays. It’s a formation where the style of play suits me, with attacking football based on transition, in a very competitive league where I can operate as a No. 6 or eight in midfield.”
Fabinho, a Ligue 1 winner and Champions League semifinalist with Monaco two seasons ago, said his compatriot Firmino had also played a part in his decision.
“He told me a lot of good things about the team and explained how they play. Now I’ll have to get used to it,” he said. “But I’m happy. The Premier League is a league that I’ve always wanted to play in. The pace is high. Now I hope to be able to show the same things that I did in France.”
ESPN FC’s France correspondent Mark Rodden contributed to this report.
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