Liverpool have unveiled midfielder Naby Keita. The midfielder agreed to join Liverpool last August after the Reds worked out a transfer with German team RB Leipzig. However, the transfer has only just gone through with Keita joining Liverpool officially this week. The club revealed Keita will wear the No. 8 shirt at Melwood during the official unveiling.
Liverpool unveil Naby Keita
Just 23, Keita joins Liverpool officially on Sunday, June 30. The Guinean international will cost Liverpool £48 million with add-ons to increase the fee. Liverpool’s non-World Cup players will kick off preseason training on Monday. Keita will join the group and begin preparation for his debut season at Anfield.
Keita will be the first Liverpool player to wear the No. 8 shirt following Steven Gerrard’s departure in 2015. The midfielder has expressed excitement about wearing the iconic Liverpool jersey once worn by Gerrard.
“It was an incredible day for me. He gave me the No 8 jersey. When it happened, it was a surprise and I didn’t expect it,” Keita said.
“When he came in, I looked at him and said, ‘wow’ because he is a legend. He is somebody who always showed respect, who gave his all on the pitch, somebody who is loved here.
“If somebody like that gives you his shirt number, it’s not to play around with, it is to try and do as much as he did – that’s my motivation.”
Keita has already been put through training with fitness coach Conall Murtagh. It was actually Keita’s idea according to reports. The two worked together on Wednesday afternoon. His desire to begin work with Murtagh should excite supporters as Keita is ready to win a spot in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI.
“Firstly I am somebody that plays in a defensive role and we need to start with that,” Keita told LFC TV. “But then I need to bring the ball forward and help the attack.
“I’ve always got a desire to win – I believe I’m a winner.”
