Q&ANatalia Ramos interview: 'I feel very happy and privileged to sign for this club'
The Spanish midfielder became the Reds' latest recruit of the summer after completing a switch from CD Tenerife Femenino, subject to visa approval and international clearance.
The 27-year-old racked up more than 200 appearances for Tenerife and leapt at the opportunity for a fresh challenge on Merseyside.
Having put the finishing touches to her transfer, Ramos then sat down with Liverpoolfc.com at the AXA Melwood Training Centre to offer her immediate reaction – read the conversation in full below.
Natalia, we'll start by saying welcome to Liverpool. How pleased are you to officially be a Red?
I'm really, really happy. I'm very excited to achieve this new step in my life and I'm very grateful for this new opportunity in my life.
It's a big step for you because you've always played your football in Spain, so why did now feel like the right time for something new in your life?
I think opportunities in life probably pass one time and I feel very, very prepared for this new challenge. I think I'll stay in the best club and I'm looking forward to joining my teammates.
You are joining a club that is one of the most famous clubs in the world. I imagine it was quite an easy decision for you to make...
For me it was a very easy decision and I'm very, very happy, with a lot of feelings and emotions because I know who the club is, the respect [it has]. I feel very happy and privileged to take this shirt and sign at the club.
I know it's been a really, really quick transition and you've had a lot to get your head around in the last few days. You're getting your first look at what's going to be your new home here in Melwood, a very historical place in football. What are your first impressions?
Yeah, I am impressed about everything – the pitch, the club, the people who work for this club. I'm very grateful because I feel [at] home and I think for the person it's very important to feel [at] home in a very big step in our life.
In terms of yourself, what can we expect from you and how do you like to play the game?
I consider [myself] a very ambitious person with a lot of strong character. I love to attack but obviously to defend and I love to score goals.
Speaking of goals, looking at your stats from last season of 10 goals and five assists – that is quite a healthy tally for a midfielder. You're obviously wanting to bring that to Liverpool this season...
Yeah, this is a very high number of goals, but I think that I stand in this place to improve my level, to improve my personality and everything. I want to score more goals in Liverpool.
You said how important it is for you to feel settled, so how much are you looking forward to meeting your teammates? I think you already know Alejandra Bernabe...I know Alejandra Bernabe because she's also a Spanish player. I'm looking forward to joining Alejandra but also with all of my teammates and stay in the hands of the coach, Gareth [Taylor], because I'm very excited to start on the pitch because it's the most comfortable place for me.
What are your hopes for this season and what kind of difference do you feel you can make to this team?
I hope that we'll do a very good season, to stay very joined with my teammates, with the club. I hope that the season and all the competitions go well.
You've got the training kit on at the moment, but how excited are you to pull on the Liverpool shirt for the first time?
I'm very proud to put on this shirt. I'm very proud to [join] Liverpool and I'm very grateful for this new opportunity in my life. I'm very, very happy.
It obviously means moving away from your family. I know they've all come over today for your signing and they are huge supporters of you, but it must be quite emotional to leave them...
For me this day has a very difficult meaning in words because it's very, very special and all of my family are here and the most important people in my life. This is a day that I will remember all my life.
You are a twin as well, so that is a very special bond, and you run a football campus together as well...
Yes, I have a twin. Unfortunately, she doesn't stay here because she's also a professional footballer. But she's very proud of me. She said, 'Sister, I follow you, you are a mirror for me and I'm very happy.' Because I think that for us there is no distance and I feel very close. I know that she doesn't stay here but she feels the same feelings as me.
Are you looking forward to exploring the city? This is not just your first time in Liverpool, it's your first time in England...
It's the first time in England, also in Liverpool. I hope when more days pass I [can] spend and enjoy and meet the culture, the city. I know that Liverpool is a very nice city with a lot of things to know. I'm looking forward to staying in a good accommodation, to start training and then I think that the rest of the things follow.