Emre Can – 'Brendan Rodgers convinced me to join Liverpool'

Martin Tyler

Emre Can revealed that Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers convinced him to join the club last summer.

“Brendan Rodgers played a major role in convincing me to join the club, we had a lot of offers but I picked Liverpool,” Can told Fanatik.

“The Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world and this is where I wanted to be.”

See More:
Guide to pronouncing Emre Can
3 reasons Emre Can should stay in the Liverpool defence
Turkish footballers abroad

Can joined on a £9.75 million move from Bayer Leverkusen over the summer transfer window.

The 21-year-old went onto make 40 appearances in his first season despite predominantly playing in Rodgers back-three and later as a right-back.

The Liverpool youngster was praised for his performances in the back-three but was criticised when deployed as a fullback.

Despite playing most of the season as a defender Can is a central midfielder and is expected to play in his actual position next season with captain Steven Gerrard set to leave the club.

Can has been called up to the Germany U21 squad ahead of the Euro Championships this summer. The 21-year-old still can still play for either his country of birth or Turkey at senior international level.