Barcola says Anfield experience convinced him to join Liverpool

Bradley Barcola says the passion of Liverpool supporters at Anfield played a decisive role in his decision to leave PSG and join the club.

The France international completed his move to Liverpool on Monday, signing a long-term contract and taking the number 29 shirt.

Barcola joins after helping PSG win the Champions League in each of the past two seasons. During that period, he played at Anfield twice as an opposition player in Champions League knockout ties, experiences which gave him a clear impression of Liverpool’s appeal.

“First of all, it’s a great pride to be able to play for Liverpool,” Barcola said in his first interview with the club. “I’m very happy. It took a long time but I’m really happy today to be able to play for Liverpool and all I want is to be on the pitch and be able to play.”

The 23-year-old said he spent the closing stages of the transfer process waiting at home with his family before the deal was confirmed.

“I was with my family, quietly, waiting for it to happen,” he said. “When I saw the news, I was very happy and surrounded by people I love the most. We celebrated well.”

Barcola identified Liverpool’s supporters as one of the main reasons he wanted to move to Merseyside. His two previous appearances at Anfield had allowed him to experience the atmosphere first-hand.

“Honestly, it’s the passion of the fans,” Barcola said. “I had the chance to play twice in this stadium and I saw the atmosphere and how the fans were behind the Liverpool players.”

Those matches also showed Barcola how difficult Liverpool can be to face, both because of the quality of the squad and the intensity generated inside the stadium.

“First of all, it was very hard because there are some very good players here and it’s a very good team,” he said. “And then it’s even harder because of the supporters, the atmosphere that there was.”

He is now eager to experience Anfield as a Liverpool player rather than as a visiting forward.

“I just want to play, that’s all I’m waiting for,” he said. “It will be incredible.”

Barcola believes his speed and attacking threat will complement the football being developed by Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola.

“It’s to bring speed, danger,” he said. “I think the style of play of the coach and my style of play are very similar, so I think I can only add more of the same to this team.”

The forward also believes his attributes are suited to the Premier League, having played against English opposition several times during his career.

He has already been in contact with Hugo Ekitike, a fellow France international and his former club-mate. Ekitike had been sending Barcola regular messages while the forward waited to find out whether the transfer would be completed.

“I can’t wait to get back together and be able to play with him,” Barcola said.

Barcola added that Iraola’s faith in him was another important factor behind his decision to join Liverpool. The manager told him that he would have a significant role to play after moving to the club.

“He told me that my quality brought a real plus to this team and that he was counting on me, that he had confidence in me,” Barcola said.

“That’s what made me want to join this team, because when you have the confidence of a coach you can only be good on the pitch.”

He says he is ready to contribute immediately after maintaining his fitness during the summer break.

“I worked hard during the holidays, I did everything I could to stay fit as much as possible, so I feel ready already,” he said.

Barcola’s decision to wear number 29 also carries personal significance. He said it had been his favourite number since childhood, when he played EA FC using the character Alex Hunter.

“I had promised myself to have this number with Alex Hunter and in the end I was lucky to have it,” he said. “That’s why I hope to keep it for the whole of my career.”

The new Liverpool forward has already identified the Premier League title as a major target.

“I hope to achieve very big things,” Barcola said. “First of all, winning the Premier League – it’s one of my biggest dreams in my life.”

After receiving a warm welcome from Liverpool supporters, Barcola promised to work fully for the club and repay their support.

“I will give my all for this team and thank you for accepting me in such a big club, for supporting us,” Barcola said. “I hope I will make them proud.”