Q&ARyan Gravenberch's first interview: 'I'm going to give my all for this club'
An ecstatic Ryan Gravenberch vowed to give everything he's got for Liverpool after completing his deadline-day move to the club.
The Netherlands international became the Reds' fourth recruit of the summer window, having completed the formalities of his transfer from Bayern Munich at the AXA Training Centre on Friday, subject to a work permit.
Gravenberch, who has selected the No.38 shirt, received a warm welcome from Jürgen Klopp and his teammates – including compatriots Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo – upon his arrival, and now can't wait to grace Anfield as a Liverpool player.
The 21-year-old sat down with Liverpoolfc.com shortly after putting pen to paper on a long-term contract to conduct his first interview as a Red...
Ryan, it's deadline day but the move is done. How are you feeling to have joined Liverpool?
Yeah, I'm very happy. Very happy that the deal is done and I'm finally here.
How have the last couple of days been for you? This move has happened quite quickly…
For me, I just had to be relaxed. I spoke a lot with my agent and he said to me, 'Everything is going to be alright.' For me, I had to just be relaxed and just wait for this moment.
Was it difficult to be relaxed given all the speculation?
To be honest, for myself it was quite difficult but at the end I'm very happy to be here.
Why are Liverpool the right club for you?
If you see it from the outside, it's one of the biggest clubs in the world. Also the fans, the stadium, I think everything from the outside is top. So that's why.
Obviously there are a couple of guys here in the team that you already know from the national team. Did you speak with Virgil and Cody about the move?
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Before the move I spoke a lot with the guys and they said we have a good team, everything is top here. Actually my decision was quick.
They seemed pretty happy to see you this morning…
Yeah, finally!
You also know another Liverpool legend in Gini Wijnaldum. Have you had an opportunity to speak with him?
Not yet, not yet. I didn't speak with him but I'm definitely going to speak to him after this move.
We saw when you arrived at the training ground that you spoke to the manager, you went into his office. What was that like? What kind of things were you talking about?
About everything. He's just a good coach and he gave me such a warm feeling. Also I went there with my girlfriend and we spoke about almost everything and good things. I'm very happy.
How did that make you feel when you left his office after that talk?
It was like a great feeling and I can't wait to start with him on the pitch.
And you're looking forward to obviously being coached by, and playing for, him?
Yeah, of course.
You mentioned before about the fans and about Anfield. You've played at Anfield once before, unfortunately it was behind closed doors for Ajax. How do you think it will feel to play in front of fans?
I'm very excited and very looking forward to it. I want to say, on Sunday I can't wait to be there.
You're hoping to be at the game on Sunday when Liverpool play Aston Villa. Are you looking forward to finally getting to see Anfield as a Liverpool player?
Yeah, I'm really looking forward to it and I can't wait to hear the You'll Never Walk Alone song.
What have your family and friends said about this move?
I spoke a lot with my parents about this move. They were just wishing also for Liverpool, you know. That was a good thing.
Liverpool fans have been sharing a photo of you online – it was you in a Liverpool shirt in a gym. Can you tell us a little bit about that image?
Oh, seriously? I didn't see it. [Checks the picture] Ah, OK. Yeah, this picture, I saw it! It was a couple of years ago in the gym, I swapped a shirt with a former player from here, Ki-Jana Hoever. That was a very nice shirt.
And now you're getting to wear one as a Liverpool player…
Yeah – actually it's crazy, right?
How would you describe yourself as a player? What are your strengths?
My strengths? I think I'm a good dribbler, I'm a technical player. Also a box-to-box player. I also have a good shot.
Do you think your style suits the way Liverpool play?
Yeah, 100 per cent.
You maybe didn't get the game time you'd have liked in your season with Bayern. Has that stoked you a bit further to get going here at Liverpool?
Yeah, if I'm honest, yes. Now we start fresh again, a new start, and I'm going to give my all for this club.
What are your hopes and ambitions for your time at Liverpool?
To win prizes. To win prizes, play a lot and show them who we are and who I am.
There has been a lot of excitement among Liverpool fans – what would you say to them?
I'm happy to be here, very excited to start and I'll see you soon, guys.