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Diogo Jota feels Liverpool will provide him with the perfect platform to take his game to the next level after completing his transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
The forward signed a long-term contract with the Reds to become the club’s third inbound transfer from the window, joining Kostas Tsimikas and Thiago Alcantara.
At 23, Jota knows he still has plenty of room to develop and improve his talents, and he’s confident that Anfield will be the ideal place to do so.
Moments after signing his contract, Jota sat down with Liverpoolfc.com for an exclusive interview to discuss the move.
Watch the full interview on LFCTV GO now, or scroll down to read a full transcript …
Diogo, first of all, welcome to Liverpool Football Club. Can you describe how you feel today?
Thank you. It is a really exciting time for me and my family. All my way since I was a child and now, joining a club like Liverpool, the world champion, is just amazing. I just want to start.
How have the last few days been as the move approached?
I just wanted the deal to get done. Obviously people started talking about it and I got a lot of messages. We were trying to do this because obviously we want to sign the contract, that’s the big moment, and start training with my teammates as well.
What made the Liverpool challenge so appealing to you and your family?
They are one of the best teams in the world, the best at the moment because they are world champions. When you look at the Premier League, you always see Liverpool as one of the biggest teams in the country, so it’s impossible to say no. So we just want to come [here], to do our best and hopefully I can become a good fit for Liverpool in the future.
Why is this the right move for you now at this stage in your career?
Well I’ve played two years in the Premier League now with Wolverhampton [Wanderers] so now I feel like it’s a good time to come here and play the Champions League again. It’s huge for me, but I think I’m ready for this new chapter.
Do you feel ready to compete and fight for a place?
Yes, sure. Obviously I will need to know my teammates, but they will know me as a player who is a team player, so I will always try to help them the best I can. You can count on me in the future and I believe that we can do great things here.
You are still only 23 years old. When you were thinking of coming here, did you think this was the right place to take your game to the next level?
I think so, but the most important thing is to try to get to know the manager and his style of play. I think this is the correct one. I think Jürgen is a fantastic coach. I watched him as a child and he was already playing in the Champions League final so I’ve known him for a long time, not personally, but now I will. I think he is the right coach for me and at this stage of my career and I think it is a good step, and the right one.
Do you come here, then, believing that there is still much more to come from you, much room for improvement?
Yes of course. We, as players, always want to grow and develop in a better state, and that’s what I want. I want to grow up here and I think this is the right club.
There have been four really close games between Liverpool and Wolves in the last two seasons. What did you learn about Liverpool from them?
Alone [that] they are a special team; The way they push, the intensity they put into the game is just another level and that’s what I want to be a part of – that anger at playing the game and scoring goals. I think it’s a great way to play and that’s the way I want to play too.
Is it a relief to know that people like Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker are now on your side?
Yes, we are talking about world class players, the best in their positions, so it is good to be part of your team now and we can face other opponents. In the end, the whole team is important and I want to be one more player to help.
Looking at Liverpool last season as an opposition player, what did you think of the way we won the league?
I think there was no doubt, there was no doubt that Liverpool were the best team in the league last season by some distance. I think, like I said before, the intensity they put into the game … it was just amazing. They were everywhere. They seemed to be playing with more players than the other teams. Hopefully we can do the same again this year if I am part of it.
What was it like coming here, coming to Anfield, as an opponent?
Well, again, I think with a certain distance it is the best stadium and the best atmosphere. I think it’s very loud and the song You will never Walk alone it is always on the opponent’s mind. Now I am part of it. Obviously this situation with COVID will not be for now, but I hope that soon I can be here listening to the fans with a complete Anfield.
Have you understood … that Anfield is now your home?
Well it’s now! Like I said, I just wish we could have a full stadium for my debut as it would be very special, but okay, it will still be special. And we can have them [the fans] later in the season to help us do good things.
Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are here. How much do you hope to work alongside them, but maybe also learn from them?
They are world class players. In every game, they try to win. They score a lot of goals and work together. I want to be one more piece to unite those three. That’s what I’ll do. Obviously, they have more experience than me, so the first stage is to connect with them, learn with them. Hopefully it can be of great help to them and the club to win games.
Do you think your versatility will help you get into the team?
I think all coaches look at that and we, as players, know that being versatile, playing in different positions, is always useful. I’m ready to play in every position the manager wants. That is what I will try to do: give my best every day.
You mentioned earlier about the way Liverpool press teams. You are a gamer who likes to push … will that help you adapt faster here?
Yes, I think that is why I think it is the right time to come here with this coach because I think his style of play can also be adapted to mine. Hopefully it can be part of your plans in the future.
He scored his first goal for Portugal a couple of weeks ago and now joins the Premier League champions. Not a bad start to the season …
Wow … no! Everything is happening quickly, everything is going great and I am enjoying it right now and I am ready to do my best.
And there is also a baby on the way …
Yes Yes. 2020 started, I would not say wrong, but with different circumstances: the COVID situation and all these things. But now it is turning out to be the best year of my life.
Your little one can be raised as a Scouser …
Yes! I think it will happen! Having been born here, he will be a Scouser!
You’re taking team number 20. Was there any particular meaning behind that?
No, not really. Obviously coming here when the season is already underway is not always what we want, but I think it’s a good number and I hope I can do good things with it.
He previously spoke about working with the coach; What do you want to work with Jürgen Klopp?
Much much. I’m eager to start, I’m eager to learn new things, because the sooner I start, the sooner I can give results to the team and that’s the most important thing. [thing].
Have you had a chance to talk to him since the deal was closed?
Yes, once or twice. I think he is the right coach for me and I just want things to happen now.
You played a guy in Wolves who came through the ranks here at Conor Coady. Have you had a chance to talk to him about the move?
No, not really, but I think I’ll do it today or tomorrow. I know for a fact that this is his childhood club so I know he will want to tell me a few things and I will talk about it with him right after this announcement is made.
For the fans watching this, what can Liverpool fans expect from you?
Like I said, I think I am a team player. I play up front and my job is to find a way to score goals and provide assists, and that is what you can expect of me, that I will always do my best. I will always try to help the team in the best possible way.
Is that your message for fans today?
If that is. They can count on me because now I am one of them and I will do my best.
