Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp admits he fell in love with new £85m signing Darwin Nunez
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp revealed he was ‘massively impressed’ with Darwin Nunez when the forward played for Benfica against the Reds in the Champions League last season.
The Uruguay international scored in both of the quarter-final legs as Liverpool progressed after winning 6-4 on aggregate.
The Reds went on to reach the final but failed to claim their seventh European crown as they lost against Real Madrid away in Paris.
Liverpool have since splashed £85million on the signing of Nunez who scored 48 goals in his 85 games for Benfica.
Klopp admitted that the player caught his eye during their Champions League encounter, telling the club's website: "It was massively impressive when he played in front of us.
"It was not clear if he would play because he came back from internationals, in the first game that was. It was clear that he was really good. But when you see it then live, it was really impressive.
Jurgen Klopp on Darwin Nunez:
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) July 9, 2022
“It was really a joy to watch him and so when we realised we had a good chance to sign him, we were all-in and we’re really happy he’s here now.” #lfc [lfc] pic.twitter.com/WLpQUk8RN9
"The power and the mix-up with technique, the desire, smart moves, the problems he caused us. We fell all in love in these two games. A very aggressive South American, it's a good thing!
"It was really a joy to watch him and so when we realised we had a good chance to sign him, we were all-in and we're really happy he's here now."
Nunez will fill the void left by Sadio Mane, who departed Anfield for Bayern Munich last month.
The Uruguay goalscorer will link-up with Liverpool's star forward Mohamed Salah who recently extended his contract with the Reds.