Liverpool have officially confirmed that their long-awaited midfield boss Naby Keita take over famous No.8 shirt from club’s legend Steven Gerrard. The iconic jersey remained vacant since Gerrard departure in 2015 but ex-captain himself agreed to pass his number to Guinean footballer.
Speaking to Liverpool website Keita said he’s absolutely delighted by the honor he’s been given:
It was an incredible day for me. He gave me the No.8 jersey. When it happened, it was a surprise and I didn’t expect it.
When he came in, I looked at him and said, ‘wow’ because he is a legend. He is somebody who always showed respect, who gave his all on the pitch, somebody who is loved here.
If somebody like that gives you his shirt number, it’s not to play around with, it is to try and do as much as he did – that’s my motivation.
- Naby Keita will complete €57 million transfer from RB Leipzig on July 1st