Jurgen Klopp has praised new Liverpool signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for making a tough decision in snubbing interest from Chelsea and quitting Arsenal.
The England international completed his £35million move to Anfield on deadline day after six years in north London.
Oxlade-Chamberlain had less than a year remaining on his Arsenal contract and had informed Arsene Wenger of his decision not to sign an extension, despite having been offered an improved £180,000-a-week salary.
The 24-year-old’s stance forced Arsenal to accept an offer from Chelsea earlier this week but the player had his heart set on a move Liverpool and finalised his move ahead of Thursday’s deadline.
‘He may still be young but he has a lot of experience in the Premier League, Champions League and for his country,’ said Klopp.
‘Already he is a very, very good player and I think he has the mentality and desire to get even better – and that excites me.
‘This is someone making a tough decision to leave one great club and come to another great club and I think he had many options, so to get him means I am delighted.
‘He didn’t make an easy decision but I think he made a great one to go on this journey with this squad of talented boys and our great supporters. I welcome him to the Liverpool family.’
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