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Florian Wirtz became Liverpool's record signing this summer when he arrived for a fee that could reach around $155 million (£116 million) including add-ons. But the German playmaker isn't bothered by the level of expectation that brings.
"No, I don’t think about it," Wirtz insisted in a chat with reporters following his first appearance at Anfield. "I just want to play football. How much money the clubs pay between each other, it doesn’t matter."
Wirtz was of interest to Bayern Munich and Manchester City, but chose Liverpool after being convinced by Arne Slot. His plan for the 22-year-old was enticing, and the player is looking forward to getting stuck into Premier League soccer.
"I think I am a player who needs freedom on the pitch and the manager gives it to me," Wirtz said. "I have to respect the position and the players around me, try to give my best on the pitch, and find the right places. I have the freedom.
"I will try to find the right places to be and the right spaces to get the ball and to be dangerous and create chances. I have not played a match in the Premier League, but I am looking forward to it, and that is why I came.
"There will be some differences from Germany, but I think there is also something I can learn to make me better, so I am really looking forward to it.
"They tell me it’s more intense and more physical; every player is really strong, really fast. That is what everybody is telling me."
Having played against Hugo Ekitike in the Bundesliga, Wirtz will now be tasked with teeing up the French forward at Liverpool. And he believes that the former Eintracht Frankfurt striker, who netted 22 goals in all competitions last season, will be a success.
"He is a really good player," Wirtz said. "[He was] a joy to watch at Frankfurt and I was really happy he signed to come to us.
"In the training sessions already, he went well and also today in the game, we had some combinations that were good. I am really happy that I can play with him.
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"I think it is good that we have a few players that came in the same time. We can connect and talk to each other, and that helps when you come to a new team."
What will Wirtz bring to Liverpool, and what are his aims? "The big challenge is to win the title again," he says.
"It is the most difficult thing so [I will] try and just create chances and also work against the ball. I can also run a lot, so I bring this to the team. And then with the ball, I can make the team better and bring my teammates into better situations.
"I’m really enjoying the first weeks. Monday was the first time at Anfield also. I like it!
"I came for that reason, because I thought I could fit in. I am enjoying to stay with these players and getting every time a little bit better, so I am happy with how it is going."
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