Firmino: Liverpool wanted me for over a year.

The Brazil international moved to Anfield from Hoffenheim for a fee that could rise to €40 million and says he was convinced to join the club by their dogged pursuit

Roberto Firmino has revealed that Liverpool had been attempting to secure his signature for “over a year” before he decided to join the Reds.

The Brazil international sealed a move to Anfield earlier this month for a fee that could rise to €40 million and has now revealed his reasons for securing a move away from Hoffenheim.

"I decided for Liverpool because they wanted me for over a year,” he told Bild. “There was a certain sympathy from the beginning and I had a good feeling from the start.

"I come to the best league in the world. I can grow there. Physically, it will be a new challenge due to the big number of games to be played with the five competitions.

"I am looking forward [to seeing] the fans at Anfield. I am already having goosebumps if I think of them singing 'You'll never walk alone'.”

Firmino also insists that he will not be weighed down by his fee, and says he is looking forward to linking up with fellow Brazilian Philippe Coutinho at Anfield.

"I don’t see my fee as burden. Rather as an appreciation and a compliment,” he added.

"It is an advantage that Coutinho is there. He is my compatriot and knows me and can make my familiarisation easier. And aside from that, we get on well."