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Liverpool have confirmed that their latest signing, Federico Chiesa, will wear the No.14 shirt at Anfield.
The Reds managed to secure Chiesa’s signature for a remarkably modest fee of £11 million ($14 million), edging out Barcelona, who struggled to finalize the deal due to ongoing financial issues. The Italian had less than 12 months in his contract at Turin and Juventus were eager to offload the player to avoid the risk of losing him for free next summer.
WHAT CHIESA SAID
The No.14 jersey holds a special place in Chiesa’s heart, a sentiment he shared during an interview with Liverpool’s official website.
“It’s the number I’ve been wearing with the national team but it was an easy pick because Liverpool sent me a video and at the end of this video – which was showing my career [and] the goals I scored with Fiorentina and Juventus – it was me with the No.14 shirt on so I said, ‘Ah, it was destined to be!’, so I chose the No.14,” Chiesa revealed.
The shirt number was last worn by former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who is now plying his trade with Ajax.
Chiesa’s decision to join Liverpool is particularly notable given the substantial financial offers he received from other clubs, including from the Saudi Pro League, as revealed by David Lynch. Despite the tempting offers, Chiesa chose to accept the same salary he earned at Juventus, estimated at €5 million (£4.2m) per year. He is allegedly impressed with the quality of the squad and the exciting football being played under new manager Arne Slot, which he believes suits his own skills perfectly.
Chiesa added: “It’s a dream that has become a reality. When I hear the word Liverpool, I think of trophies, of victories and the great nights in the Champions League at Anfield. It is really emotional for me. I can’t wait to hear the anthem and all the 60,000 Liverpool fans singing You’ll Never Walk Alone. I will give everything for this shirt, for the fans. Forza Liverpool.
“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.”
WHAT NEXT FOR CHIESA?
It remains to be seen if Slot uses Chiesa against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford. Nonetheless, the new signing is likely to travel with his new team-mates as the Reds look for their third win to start the new Premier League campaign.