Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that he has been an admirer of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain since watching him play for Arsenal against Borussia Dortmund in 2014.
On Thursday, Liverpool announced that they had completed the signing of the 24-year-old, who had less than a year remaining on his contract at the Emirates Stadium.
However, Klopp has claimed that he has been keeping tabs on Oxlade-Chamberlain for three years, and the German boss acknowledges that he is delighted to have brought in the England international.
The 50-year-old told the club's official website: "I am really, really happy we have got Alex signed. Since the last game I have been waiting and hoping we could make this transfer, and when I got the news he was ours it was fantastic.
"I remember the first time I saw him play live - it was at Dortmund in 2014 and he came on as a sub that day and made a big impact. He stood out immediately because of his pace and skills and his attitude in such a big game for a young player; I remember him chasing back to make a brilliant challenge on Mkhitaryan in the box to save a certain goal.
"We won that game but lost the return match at Arsenal when he started and played well, I think he hit the post. Since then I have followed him and when I heard it may be possible to sign him I didn't need to think twice.
"I hear a lot of talk about positions but let's talk about the player; he is someone with really good abilities who always gives everything for his team. A player that is positive and willing to take risks to try and make positive things happen."
Oxlade-Chamberlain leaves Arsenal having netted 14 times in 198 appearances in all competitions.
Darren Plant
