Reaction'I had to go a different way' - Jeremie Frimpong explains his long road to Liverpool

The Netherlands international has agreed a transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to become the Premier League champions' first signing of the summer.

Frimpong's journey to the Reds involved a treble-winning stint in Scotland with Celtic before his successful spell with Leverkusen, having first climbed through the youth ranks at Manchester City.

But the 24-year-old intended his football upbringing to be done at Liverpool, who were interested in recruiting him as a youth prospect, only for transport logistics to scupper that dream of his.

He explained to Liverpoolfc.com during his first interview: "You always want to play for the top teams as a footballer, as a kid.

"Of course when I was younger and Liverpool first came, that was a no-brainer as well, but due to transportation and all these sorts of things, I had to go a different way.

"And look at me now. So, it has worked really well."

Frimpong experienced his new home, Anfield, as an opposition player last November in the Champions League.

His Leverkusen side, then Bundesliga champions, were on the receiving end of a 4-0 thumping that left a lasting impression on the right-sided player.

He continued: "I think this is the best stadium I played in when I was with Leverkusen: the atmosphere, the fans, the team as well. The whole package is great.

"I don't need to say too much about the quality [of Liverpool]. They won the league.

"For me, playing against Liverpool when I was in Leverkusen, really difficult. Really, really difficult.

"How can I say it? Obviously Leverkusen were still good but you can see that Liverpool is next level."

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