In his first sit-down interview with the club’s media channel, Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s club record signing, sent a serious warning to the rest of the Premier League.
Considered by many to be among the top attacking midfield players in Europe, the 22-year-old joined the Premier League winners from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £100 million up front with an additional £16 million in add-ons.
According to Sky Sports, it was reported on Friday night that Wirtz has signed a long-term contract worth £195,000 per week for a period of five years. If individual and team bonuses are fulfilled, the weekly salary may increase to £245,000.
When discussing his transfer to Liverpool, the Germany international was ecstatic about the chance to play with Arne Slot’s team.
“I’m incredibly proud and thrilled. After much waiting, it’s finally finished, and I’m quite thrilled with it,” he said to Liverpool FC.
The prospect of embarking on a new adventure excites me much. This was another major theme in my mind: I want to try something new, leave the Bundesliga, and join the Premier League.”
“I’ll see how I can perform there,” Wirtz continued. I’m hoping to give it my all. I also talked to some of the players who played there, and they informed me that every pitch is great and that you can enjoy every game. I can’t wait to start playing my first game.
When asked about his immediate goals with the team, Wirtz revealed his aspirations.
“I’m not coming [to] have fun here, I want also to achieve something and give the fans what they deserve,” he stated. “I want to continue at this performance, of course. That certainly inspires people to do more.
“Every year, I hope to win everything.” I have to make my work first, and we have to do our work. We want to succeed in the end. My objective is to win the Premier League again and advance in the Champions League, as they did last season. I have a lot of ambition.
“I see this as a chance to improve myself,” he continued. “I was in the right place here.”
https://x.com/LFC/status/1936124137522839632
Fans’ reactions to his first interview are shown here.
“Elite mentality,” said one, and “Music to our ears!” added another. Salah will adore this way of thinking.
“The appropriate mentality from the off,” remarked a third, while a fourth wrote: “I didn’t come here to have fun. My goal is to win everything. I adore this mindset.
One more person said, “Just the perfect mentality.”
Wirtz and Liverpool had a Q&A session.
Liverpool published a Q&A session with Wirtz on their official website following the announcement of the signing. Here are some of his responses.
You obviously had a few choices this summer, including the opportunity to remain at Leverkusen. Why Liverpool, then? What makes Liverpool the best option?
“I simply felt that the time had come for me to advance in my career, and therefore, I wanted to join a team that was among the top three in the world, and Liverpool seemed like one of them to me.
Yes, I simply felt that I was in the greatest possible hands in Liverpool. The people here and the concept truly convinced me, and everything the club has to offer is excellent. Ultimately, it was likewise simple to feel thrilled about my visit to Liverpool.
After speaking with Liverpool, did you feel that making the choice was simple?
“Yes, playing for the German national team and being a German player made it difficult for me. It was difficult for me to make a decision, but I believe that the conversations with the coach, Richard Hughes, and everyone else were excellent right from the beginning and continued in this manner.
“Every time I spoke to one of the [people from] the club I felt like, ‘this is the place I want to be’ and so in the end I was really 100 per cent convinced I want to join Liverpool and it was the best choice.”
How did your family react to your decision to join Liverpool?
“When they talked to us or expressed interest in signing me, I believe I was the first member of my family that was truly passionate about this club.
“I definitely didn’t think Liverpool would be my next club, but I didn’t have to persuade my family about the club or anything since they were already on board with me. In the end, I wanted to join a new league because everything was so great.
“I believe that my family will enjoy joining me here and spending time in the stadium. They will therefore enjoy it as well.
You’ve previously stated that playing at the highest level is how you learn the most as a football player. Do you think you’ll get better as a player here?
Indeed, this was also a major point for me: I’ll raise my own physical and personal standards since, as I believe everyone knows, Liverpool’s players are extremely powerful and physically fit machines.
“But I see this also as an opportunity for me to get better in this point so yeah, I just thought this was the right place for me.”
What was it like to play against Liverpool in November of last year, given your claim that the players are machines? Although the outcome was disappointing, how was the experience?
“It was quite difficult to play here. When I talked to the coach or the other men, I was still thinking about the game. Here, it served as an illustration [of] how it could be. It was incredibly difficult, as I mentioned; we lost 4-0, had to run a lot, and lost nearly every duel. All I wanted was to join this team.
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