Liverpool’s Nuri Sahin: Xabi Alonso urged me to join the Reds

Xabi Alonso joined Real Madrid from Liverpool in 2009 Photo: Soccer.ru, via Wikimedia

Nuri Sahin has revealed Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso played a part in convincing the Turkey international to join Liverpool on a season-long loan.

The 23-year-old has become Brendan Rodgers’ fourth signing of the summer transfer window after completing his temporary move to Anfield on Saturday.

Liverpool beat Arsenal to the capture of Sahin, and the former Borussia Dortmund star explained how Alonso, who spent five successful seasons at Anfield, encouraged him to move to the Merseyside outfit.

“Xabi is a person who really cares about football. He’s in love with football,” Sahin told Liverpool’s website.

“I’m the same, and that’s why we had a lot of conversations. When I arrived at Real Madrid, we spoke about German football and Italian football.

“He likes football! When he heard Liverpool were interested in me, he started telling me about Liverpool.

“He is still in love with Liverpool Football Club, I think! It’s crazy how he was telling me about Liverpool.

“He was saying, ‘Go there, you will love it. The fans will take care of you and love you’ and things like that.

“He said Anfield is the best stadium in the world. Xabi won a lot of trophies here, and hopefully we can do that too.”

Sahin also admitted he is looking forward to playing alongside England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.

“Steven Gerrard is a huge name, not only in Liverpool but in world football,” added Sahin.

“I am looking forward to playing with him – I’ve played against him once.”