Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says Jurgen Klopp was 'instrumental' in his move from Arsenal to Liverpool

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James Benge7 September 2017

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has revealed that the chance to link up with Jurgen Klopp was perhaps the most important reason he chose Liverpool for his next club.

The 24-year-old completed a £40million move to Anfield on deadline day after declining a new contract at Arsenal that could have been worth £180,000-a-week.

Chelsea were prepared to offer him an even higher salary after agreeing a fee with Arsenal but Oxlade-Chamberlain would eventually opt for Liverpool, where he will earn in the region of £120,000-a-week.

The promise of the central midfield role he has long coveted whilst being played on the right flank was a key issue for Oxlade-Chamberlain but it was the opportunity to learn from Liverpool boss Klopp that seemingly convinced him to leave London.

“Even as a neutral watching him last season, you [could see] he's a really interesting character and someone that seems very inspiring for people that aren't even involved in the club. Watching him, [you see] his passion and how much he cares about the game,” Oxlade-Chamberlain told LFCTV after his first training session at his new club.

“The thing that stood out for me was his relationship with the players, how close he seems to bond with the players on and off the field. That's massive and it's definitely a big plus when you're looking to progress, having that relationship with the manager, that definitely helps.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain completes £40m Liverpool move after rejecting new Arsenal contract

“And then obviously the way his teams play, that's definitely inspirational for me and was one of the instrumental [reasons] - if not the main reason - that I felt this place was definitely the place for me.”

After his outstanding display in Arsenal’s FA Cup final win over Chelsea in May Oxlade-Chamberlain spoke of his desire to be the “next Steven Gerrard”.

Having joined up with his boyhood team the England international is hoping he will be put in the position that allows him to affect the game in the same manner as Liverpool legend Gerrard.

“I’ve spoken about this for about six years - my whole career - where I'm going to be playing or where I'd like to play,” he added.

“I just say I'd like to be an attacking midfielder. I've spoke to the manager about this, there's going to be a lot of positions [available] in this team: up-front, because the wingers play a bit more inside, or the midfield.

“I wouldn't like to put a label on it at this stage, I need to get a feel for how the team plays and obviously it's for the manager to decide.

“But ultimately, I just want to be able to be an attacking influence and have that effect further up the pitch; whether that's from an attacking midfield position or one of the wider positions coming in, I'm not too fussed.”