Takumi Minamino has revealed what Jugen Klopp told him in their first meeting following his transfer move to Liverpool.
Japan international Minamino arrived at Anfield at the start of the January transfer window after Liverpool activated his £7.25million release clause.
The 25-year-old had impressed at Red Bull Salzburg – scoring 64 goals in 189 appearances for the Austrian club – and says he was immediately made to feel at home by Liverpool manager Klopp.
‘I cannot forget his words – two or three days after joining the club, he said I could play in any way I wanted to play and he said just enjoy playing in any way you want to play,’ Minamino said.
‘So I was really happy as a player that he said that. In the locker room, he is very good at motivating players, so I want to respond to his motivation even in the practice sessions and in the actual games.’
A number of clubs were interested in signing Minamino from Salzburg but he says he fulfilled a childhood dream when he put pen to paper on a deal with Champions League holders Liverpool.
In an interview with Sky Sports, the Japanese forward added: ‘I cannot tell you which other teams approached me, but some Premier League and German clubs.
‘The reason why I chose to come to Liverpool was that playing for Liverpool was one of my dreams since my childhood, so I had no reason to say no to them.
‘I like Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres and Liverpool was one of my favourite clubs growing up.
‘I was very impressed with their strong mentality to come back from 3-0 down and I remember how they played in that second half [against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final].’
Since arriving at Anfield, Minamino has made three appearances for Liverpool and says he is adapting to his new surroundings.
‘I just found a new house to live in and am getting settled in, so I am quite relaxed at the moment living in Liverpool,’ he said.
‘Every player is very welcoming, but especially Naby Keita and Sadio Mane as they live near me. And the players who can speak German are very helpful too.
‘The schedule is really tight, so I do not have enough time to study English. But when we move places, I try to read books and remember the words.
‘The best words to describe my feeling [at signing for Liverpool] were delight and joyful.’
Premier League leaders Liverpool face Southampton on Saturday.
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