Football
Glenn Price, Liverpool correspondent 7y

Oxlade-Chamberlain: 'Inspirational' Jurgen Klopp key to Liverpool move

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says Jurgen Klopp was one of the "instrumental" reasons why he left Arsenal for Liverpool this summer.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, 24, completed a deadline-day switch to Anfield in a deal worth up to £40 million, having entered the final 12 months of his Arsenal contract.

The England international turned down the chance to move to Chelsea, as well as a new contract at Arsenal, and cited Liverpool's charismatic manager as one of the attractions in moving to Merseyside.

"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," he told Liverpool's official website. "Watching him, [you see] his passion and how much he cares about the game.

"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.

"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."

Prior to the move, Oxlade-Chamberlain had observed Klopp's relationship with his players, in addition to his achievements in the game.

"Even when he was at [Borussia] Dortmund, you see these things from the outside when you look at managers and the way they work," he added.

"He's definitely a manager that's very animated on the side and you sort of feel like you get to know him without even knowing him when you listen to him in his press conferences -- and then the insights I've had from the boys on him.

"First of all, what he's achieved, you respect that straight away and how much he knows about the game, and then all his extra attributes -- his relationships with the players and how he pushes you, encourages you and what he demands from you -- that's like a bonus. That's what makes him special in my eyes."

Meanwhile, former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique retired from professional football on Wednesday at the age of 31 due to a persistent knee injury.

Enrique, who has been without a club since being released by Real Zaragoza in the summer, made only 21 appearances in his last three seasons at Liverpool before leaving in 2016, but is grateful to Klopp for letting him captain the team on his last ever start for the Reds -- an FA Cup tie away at Exeter City.

"The worst moments of my life were under Klopp because, being well, I knew I could play some games, but he was sincere with me," he told Marca. "Klopp let me be captain of Liverpool in my farewell, an honour for which I will always be grateful."

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