Klopp explains why he wanted to sign Oxlade-Chamberlain

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has explained why he signed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for £35million.

The Reds completed their fourth summer signing on deadline day when they beat Chelsea to the signing of England international Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The player himself spoke only briefly after the move, choosing instead to concentrate on England’s upcoming World Cup qualifying fixtures.

Klopp was more in depth on his long-standing interest in the player.

“I am really, really happy we have got Alex signed. Since the last game I have been waiting and hoping we could make this transfer – and when I got the news he was ours it was fantastic.

“I remember the first time I saw him play live – it was at Dortmund in 2014 and he came on as a sub that day and made a big impact. He stood out immediately because of his pace and skills and his attitude in such a big game for a young player; I remember him chasing back to make a brilliant challenge on Mkhitaryan in the box to save a certain goal.

“We won that game but lost the return match at Arsenal when he started and played well, I think he hit the post. Since then I have followed him and when I heard it may be possible to sign him I didn’t need to think twice.

“I hear a lot of talk about positions but let’s talk about the player; he is someone with really good abilities who always gives everything for his team. A player that is positive and willing to take risks to try and make positive things happen.

“He may still be young but he has a lot of experience in the Premier League, Champions League and for his country. Already he is a very, very good player and I think he has the mentality and desire to get even better – and that excites me.

“This is someone making a tough decision to leave one great club and come to another great club and I think he had many options, so to get him means I am delighted.

“He didn’t make an easy decision but I think he made a great one to go on this journey with this squad of talented boys and our great supporters. I welcome him to the Liverpool family.”

The Mailbox reckons Arsenal have ‘rinsed’ Liverpool for Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is a ‘snake’. Now then.