Liverpool midfielder Fabinho has recalled signing for the Reds from AS Monaco five years ago.
Fabinho admits he needed little convincing after first meeting manager Jurgen Klopp.
“Liverpool weren’t the only club that made an offer that summer,” he told The Players’ Tribune.
“There was another team in England I could’ve chosen, but it’s simple really: after you speak to Jürgen Klopp, you don’t want to hear anything from anyone else. It’s like, ‘OK, thank you, I’m coming to Liverpool!’
“We met in England, and he explained his vision, how the team played and how important I would be. I didn’t even understand what he was saying. I didn’t really speak English back then, but it didn’t matter! Fortunately, they brought someone along to translate. But even without a translator, you just understand his positivity. I was nodding my head, ‘Yes, boss!’ before they even told me what he was saying.”
The Brazilian added: “He’s done amazing things for this club, but honestly, it’s hard to talk about how good he is because for us as players it’s normal. His methods, preparation, team talks, decision-making… he does everything with excellence, and we just expect that from him every day. There is no other Klopp.
“When I arrived I could sense that Liverpool were at the start of something really special. The club had waited for this moment and now was the time for harvest. As a new player you are welcomed to the club like family. The way we are with each other, the way we treat each other, the way we embrace — it’s so special. It has that close, small feeling. But this is a massive club. You see every day what it means for the people in this city and beyond. Everywhere we go there are full stadiums, people waiting for us, and fans who have travelled around the world to see us play. That love and support is incredible. And then there is Anfield.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always loved the fans. But honestly, before Liverpool if you’d have asked me if they make much of a difference on the pitch, I would’ve said no. Now, after what I’ve lived here? Playing at Anfield, you see the difference. You feel it.”
