Federico Chiesa has revealed his instant response to Liverpool’s interest.
The Italy international sealed an initial £10 million move to Merseyside from Juventus on Thursday in a deal which could increase by a further £2.5M.
Chiesa’s transfer marked something of a full-circle journey for his family after father Enrico scored for Italy at Anfield for their country during Euro 96.
The winger has been extensively tracked by the club’s newly appointed sporting director Richard Hughes dating back to his time with Fiorentina
And Chiesa, who signed a four-year contract, admits he did not hesitate on a move to the Reds when contacted by both Hughes and head coach Arne Slot.
He said: “I’m so happy to be a Liverpool player.
“When Richard Hughes called me and he said, ‘Do you want to join Liverpool?’ – and the coach called me – I said yes immediately.
“Because I know the history of this club, I know what it represents to the fans. So, I’m so happy and I can’t wait to get started.
“It’s a dream that has become a reality. When I hear the word Liverpool I think of trophies, victories and the great nights in the Champions League at Anfield.
“It’s really emotional for me. I can’t wait to hear the anthem and hear all of the 60,000 fans singing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.
“I will give everything for this shirt and the fans.”
Chiesa, 26, also revealed he will have ‘shivers’ when making his first outing at Anfield, most likely to come against Nottingham Forest on September 14.
He said: “I just want to say something that stuck to my mind when I was about to land [in] the aeroplane.
“I saw Anfield and as soon as I saw Anfield I said to my wife: ‘Put the song on [You’ll Never Walk Alone] because I want to imagine myself playing there and hearing the chant of the fans.’
“It was just a fun bit. I will have shivers [when I play there] and it will be so emotional for me and for my family.”