I turned down Barca and Bayern for Liverpool: Keita

Liverpool’s new signing Naby Keita said that he turned down interests from Barcelona and Bayern Munich to join Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.

Keita completed his move from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig to Liverpool in the off-season after the Premier League giants struck a deal last term worth £48 million ($64m).

Keita who is set to form a formidable midfield for The Reds alongside the new signing Fabinho and captain Jordan Henderson revealed that he turned down La Liga champions Barcelona and the Bundesliga holders Bayern Munich to join the Champions League finalists Liverpool.

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Keita told the Guardian that he was involved in talks with both Barca and Bayern but he chose to join Liverpool after Klopp and his former Salzburg team mate Sadio Mane convinced him.

“It’s true to say that there were other teams involved like the ones you mentioned,” Keita said when speaking of interest from the La Liga and Bundesliga giants.

“But a big part of my decision was the role of the coach.

“We had good conversations. The words he spoke to me about this project really convinced me. I could see how the club was developing and I spoke at length with Sadio [Mane].

“Sadio is like a brother to me. We had nine months together at Salzburg and built up a good rapport. We have been great friends since that time. He told me what a great club this was and how the team was progressing and had great potential.”

Keita who built a reputation of getting red cards in Bundesliga told the Telegraph that he is not worried about the physical nature of Premier League. He also mentioned that the friendlies ahead of the new season would help him to adjust to the style of football that is played in the Premier League.

“I don’t think the physical aspect is going to have a negative impact on me at all,” Keita said.

“I have watched a lot of English football and through the process of the friendly games leading up to the new season, I’ll adjust to it. I like winning the ball back. It’s something I love.

“I am someone who has this real winning mentality. I have a huge desire to win. That is why I am aggressive in a positive sense on the field.

“My first mind-set when I am out on the field is to defend well and not concede. As a midfielder, when you have sealed things up at the back, my job is to provide the ammunition for the strikers and forwards, to create opportunities for them.

“Also, if I get a chance that come(s) my way, I want to take it and score. But I am a team player. I think about the team and the group first always.”

Both the club’s new signings Keita and Fabinho were handed debuts as Liverpool started their pre-season with a 7-0 win over Chester last Sunday.