Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he fell in love with Darwin Nunez when he saw the Uruguayan striker play for Benfica against his side in the Champions League quarter-finals last season.
Darwin Nunez, 23, joined Liverpool during the current summer transfer period from Portuguese side Benfica for £64m in a deal that could be worth £85m, according to the additions.
The German coach admitted that Nunez’s performance against Liverpool in the Champions League, when he scored a red in two matches, convinced him to turn on the player.
Klopp, 55, told Liverpool’s website: “He was impressive when he played against us (in the Champions League), when you get ready for Benfica you know what’s in store for you, we know everything about the opposition so we we know exactly the quality of Darwin.”
He added: “It wasn’t clear if he would play because he was back from the national team camp at the time.”
And the German coach added: “It was clear in the first game that he was really good. Strength and his combination with technique, desire and smart movements, the problems that he gave us. We all fell in love with him in those two games.” A very aggressive South American, that’s good.”
Klopp concluded his speech by saying: “It was very nice to watch him and when we realized that we had a good chance to sign him, we all wanted it and we are very happy that he is here.”
Source: agencies