Fabio, we’re in a car on the way back to Melwood after you completed your medical and the formalities of the deal. How does it feel to be a Liverpool player?
It feels really good – and to be back in England as well. It’s a top club that has won a lot of trophies in the past – and will do so in the future we hope as well. I’ve got the trust of the manager and the club, which for me is very nice and I’m proud to be here.
How did you feel when you heard Liverpool were interested in you?
I felt really good because I wanted to come back to England one day. I knew sooner or later I would be back. Being back with Liverpool is even better because I can show the people what I can do. We’ve got the Europa League and lots of things to play for.
This will be the third time you’ve worked with Brendan Rodgers. How important was the boss in bringing you here?
He was very important. I wouldn’t say it was the key, but most of it came from him. Even during last season, I spoke with him a lot. I’d text him and ask if he was okay and congratulated him on the results he got with Swansea. First of all it is a relationship of friendship and afterwards it is a working one. That is more important than anything.
What is Brendan like to play for?
I used to play 4-3-3 with him and he is very good to play football for. It is great to play football for him because you can have fun and you can get results. I could see at Swansea the people loved him because the football was attractive. People like to see football (played) like this.
What can we expect to see from the Liverpool players next season under Brendan?
They will certainly see football players that want to win, and that will always work for the team rather than themselves. Liverpool wants to get results and that’s what we’ll try to do.
What sort of player would you describe yourself as?
I’d describe myself as a player that never gives up and I run a lot. I had difficult times at Chelsea when I was younger because I came from Italy. It was very difficult, I tried to be strong for myself and demonstrate to people I could do it. That is an achievement I have made and why I am here.
You’ve just come back from being with the Italy squad at the European Championships. Has that experience helped you develop as a player?
Of course. It was a big experience for me. I’m only 21 years old, so it was a good experience even if I didn’t play. Getting to the final was even more experience because it’s not something that happens every day. It will be great to bring it (experience) with me.
I believe you have a special goal celebration Liverpool fans will want to see this season. Can you tell us a bit about it?
My celebration is a knife between the teeth. In Italy it means a warrior or someone who never gives up and will always get up if they fall down. At Swansea and Roma the fans liked it, so I hope to show it to Liverpool fans as well.
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