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Liverpool announce Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as new number 21
LIVERPOOL have confirmed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will wear the number 21 shirt.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain reminisces over Arsenal signing
Oxlade-Chamberlain completed his £40million move from Arsenal to become Liverpool’s fourth signing of the summer transfer window.
And the 24-year-old has taken the squad number vacated by Lucas Leiva following the Brazilian's departure to Lazio.
In a message to Liverpool fans after sealing the move, Oxlade-Chamberlain said: “I’m currently away with England, so I’m at St George’s Park.
"Firstly, I’m delighted to have signed for Liverpool and a big thank-you to everyone here at the FA that has made this possible, using the facilities. It has been a massive help.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has joined Liverpool
“I’m not going to say too much today; I’m here with England and we’ve got two big games coming up, so I want to focus on them.
“But I can’t wait to get to Melwood and you’ll hear first from me on LFCTV.”
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp expressed his delight at sealing a deal for the 24-year-old.
He said: “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.”
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