Liverpool have announced the signing of Alisson Becker from Roma on a long-term contract.
How pleased are you to have got this deal done to become a Liverpool player?
I’m really happy, it’s a dream come true to wear such a prestigious shirt for a club of this size that is used to always winning. In terms of my life and my career it’s a huge step for me being part of this club and this family. You can be certain that I’ll give my all.
Is it true that you cut short your holiday to fly to Liverpool and come and get this deal done?
Yes, I did cut them short a bit but I was immensely satisfied to do so, to make this dream come true and take the next step in my career. It’s a step forward and when you’re happy in what you’re doing, nothing is a sacrifice, so I left my family behind to get the issues resolved. I’m also representing them here, they’re here with me in my heart. I’m really happy with what I’ve seen here, it’s so organised. This is going to be our new home.
There has been a lot of speculation about you this summer, but why are Liverpool the right club for you?
As I said previously, Liverpool are a team with a habit of winning, that have fanatical fans that are behind the team in every game. Playing against them last year in the Champions League, I was able to experience that atmosphere and that game had an influence on me. Once I heard they were interested in me, I started thinking about the possibility of playing for Liverpool. I’m coming from a club where I was very happy and I’m sure I’ll be very happy here. I’ll give my all to give something back to the fans and join this team because it’s a developing group achieving great things. They got to the Champions League final and that’s something that motivates me, to be part of a group that competes at a high level. I believe this is going to add a great deal to my career in terms of professional growth, so I can add something to the team for the team to grow even further because it’s a massive club.
Have you had an opportunity to speak to Roberto Firmino about Liverpool and if so, what has he told you?
I’ve spoken to him. I had spoken to him before things really started to happen. When the negotiations became official I spoke to him and I only heard good things about the club and the city. He is a player who feels really at home here. He is loved by the fans and really popular with his teammates. He is a great person and only had positive things to say. He said if I were to come here, I’d be really happy as well. Putting our friendship to one side and the time we spent together with the national team, I’m really happy to be at the same club as him and have the same daily routine as him. Hopefully we can develop a great deal together.
You played against Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane last season… how pleased are you that they will be on your side this season and you don’t have to face them?
Really happy! It’s tough being up against them – and not just them. It’s not just the three of them up front but the whole team. That’s based on the games I played against them. They had a great year, I felt the strength of the group – there aren’t just three players, there are 11 players as well as the players coming off the bench. They showed a lot of desire to win so it’s exciting for me to have the three of them up front to win games. It’s important and I’m really happy to have them by my side.
You’re a goalkeeper who is renowned for distribution skills. How much do you think that can help your new teammates given the style Liverpool play?
I believe so. It is a team with a lot of quality, from the defence to the attack and through the midfield. When the play starts from the back and the ball arrives in a good way for the attackers to shoot, it’s always better. I hope my style can contribute to the team and I’m going to dedicate myself day to day, respecting everyone. I’ll give everything to help Liverpool grow.
Finally, we always ask our new signings to give a message to fans watching, so what is yours to them?
My message to everyone is that I’m really happy to be part of this team and this family. I’m the type of guy that always wants to succeed in life. I came from nothing and I’ve arrived at this moment in my career. Thank God, together with my family and the people who work with me. Rest assured, I’ll give everything on the pitch. I’ll bring them a lot of joy. I hope for their support and I hope to meet their expectations of me.
Credit : Liverpool FC
