Emre Can turned down the opportunity to join Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich before signing for Liverpool for £10m in the summer transfer window.
Munich had a buy-back clause inserted into the contract when they sold Can to Leverkusen back in 2013 and did activate it this summer to enter negotiations with the Germany U-21 international.
However Can turned down Bayern as he was impressed by both Liverpool’s ambition and current manager Brendan Rodgers’ style of play.
Talking to the Liverpool Echo Can stated, “Bayern had a buy-back clause but that didn’t kick in until next year.
“There were some discussions with Bayern this summer but I decided the best thing for me would be to accept the opportunity to come to Liverpool.
“Before I came here I had discussions with Brendan Rodgers and that made my mind up. From those talks I was very positive about this move.
“This whole club is very ambitious and positive about how it wants to play football. That’s the way I want to play football, too.
“Liverpool believe in the same things and that’s why I came here. I want to stay here for a long time.”
Can picked up an injury while on international duty with the U21 German national team which ruled him out for six-weeks.
The 20-year-old is expected to return to full fitness after the international break.