Liverpool have confirmed Naby Keita will wear the No 8 when he officially joins on July 1. The 23-year-old midfielder joins Liverpool from RB Leipzig for £52.75m.
Keita said he was honoured to receive the jersey from “legend” Steven Gerrard, but revealed he will bring his own style of play when he arrives at Anfield.
"It was an incredible day for me." 🔴
Naby Keita has revealed how he was left astounded when Steven Gerrard handed the No.8 jersey over to him: https://t.co/G3708QjuPH#NK8 pic.twitter.com/bFAFVFWKcx
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 27, 2018
“Firstly I am somebody that plays in a defensive role and we need to start with that,” he told LFC TV. “But then I need to bring the ball forward and help the attack.