Fabio Borini

[Chazza]

Liverpool have today confirmed they have completed the signing of AS Roma forward Fabio Borini.

The Italy international has put pen to paper on a long-term deal with the Reds after agreeing terms and passing a medical at Melwood.

In joining the club, Borini becomes Brendan Rodgers' first signing as Liverpool manager.

The 21-year-old has worked with the Reds' new boss before during a loan spell at Swansea City in 2011, while he has also represented Chelsea.

Last season he scored 10 goals in 26 appearances for Roma and earned his international debut in a friendly against USA. He was then a part of Italy's Euro 2012 squad.

[Gibbo]

More players with beards

[baronvonskidmark]

Good news. Feels great to have a new signing.

Seems a bit weird though that the pictures are with Ayre and not BR.

[Reece]

#29

[Chazza]

Moments after becoming Brendan Rodgers' first signing for the Reds, Fabio Borini gave his one and only exclusive interview to Liverpoolfc.com. Here's what he had to say...

Fabio, we're in a car on the way back to Melwood after you completed your medical and the formalities of the deal. How does it feel to be a Liverpool player?

It feels really good - and to be back in England as well. It's a top club that has won a lot of trophies in the past - and will do so in the future we hope as well. I've got the trust of the manager and the club, which for me is very nice and I'm proud to be here.

How did you feel when you heard Liverpool were interested in you?

I felt really good because I wanted to come back to England one day. I knew sooner or later I would be back. Being back with Liverpool is even better because I can show the people what I can do. We've got the Europa League and lots of things to play for.

This will be the third time you've worked with Brendan Rodgers. How important was the boss in bringing you here?

He was very important. I wouldn't say it was the key, but most of it came from him. Even during last season, I spoke with him a lot. I'd text him and ask if he was okay and congratulated him on the results he got with Swansea. First of all it is a relationship of friendship and afterwards it is a working one. That is more important than anything.

What is Brendan like to play for?

I used to play 4-3-3 with him and he is very good to play football for. It is great to play football for him because you can have fun and you can get results. I could see at Swansea the people loved him because the football was attractive. People like to see football (played) like this.

What can we expect to see from the Liverpool players next season under Brendan?

They will certainly see football players that want to win, and that will always work for the team rather than themselves. Liverpool wants to get results and that's what we'll try to do.

What sort of player would you describe yourself as?

I'd describe myself as a player that never gives up and I run a lot. I had difficult times at Chelsea when I was younger because I came from Italy. It was very difficult, I tried to be strong for myself and demonstrate to people I could do it. That is an achievement I have made and why I am here.

You've just come back from being with the Italy squad at the European Championships. Has that experience helped you develop as a player?

Of course. It was a big experience for me. I'm only 21 years old, so it was a good experience even if I didn't play. Getting to the final was even more experience because it's not something that happens every day. It will be great to bring it (experience) with me.

I believe you have a special goal celebration Liverpool fans will want to see this season. Can you tell us a bit about it?

My celebration is a knife between the teeth. In Italy it means a warrior or someone who never gives up and will always get up if they fall down. At Swansea and Roma the fans liked it, so I hope to show it to Liverpool fans as well.

As a forward, how much are you looking forward to playing with Luis Suarez this season?

A lot because he is maybe another player who is similar to me because he works very hard in every game. I've watched a few games, and all of Europe wants him. Every player wants to play with him, so it will be a pleasure.

In coming to Liverpool, you're joining one of the biggest clubs in Europe. Are you aware of the club's history?

Yes, I am aware of it. I remember the Champions League final against AC Milan. It is very important to have this important past because you can bring it to the future and try to remake the past.

You've already played at Anfield once before in an FA Youth Cup tie in February 2009 - what do you remember about that night?

(Laughs) I remember we lost! We had a good team at Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup, but we lost. But the impression it left on me was very good because of the stadium's history. It's a dream for everyone to play at Anfield, so it was a very nice experience.

So are you excited about playing at Anfield every other week now this season?

Yes, every other week in a full stadium. It will be amazing. I know the fans are very warm and they're here for football.

What do you hope to achieve during your time at Liverpool?

I hope to achieve the maximum I can, by scoring goals, getting into the Champions League and all of the things the club also wants - and all the other players.

Finally, do you have a message for Liverpool fans?

There's not especially one, but I think with Brendan they will see good football!

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/borini-the-first-interview

[Lee]

What's all that **** Ayre has around his wrists?

Guessing Borini will take Maxi's number eleven shirt. Makes it easier for the club whilst we sort out the futures of Cole and Carroll I guess.

Confirmation anyone?

[ric.williams]

always worries me that if he is that good why would roma let him go and he be that cheap.

still lets hope he is top and its a sign of the future - us getting better value deals

[danperkins]

Bit of a poacher, works hard and determined. Like the sound of that although you have to wonder why Roma let him go so cheaply if he is that good? The fact that he has played in England especially playing in the rough and tumble of the championship means that it might not be such an adjustment for him physically, hope so anyways.

Delighted and best of luck to the lad!!

[Chazza]

What's all that **** Ayre has around his wrists?

Guessing Borini will take Maxi's number eleven shirt. Makes it easier for the club whilst we sort out the futures of Cole and Carroll I guess.

Confirmation anyone?

29

[Lee]

Cheers mate.

Can't remember our last number 29 but I hope he's better.

[Chazza]

Brendan Rodgers revealed his delight at securing Fabio Borini as his first signing as Liverpool manager and predicted: 'The supporters are going to love him.'

The Italy international put pen to paper on a long-term deal with the Reds today - and the boss is thrilled to have got his man.

Rodgers told Liverpoolfc.com: "I was very keen to bring him here. Fabio fits the model of what we're trying to do in building not only for now, but also for the future.

"He's a big talent, 21 years of age, he scores goals, and his passion, focus and concentration is a very important part of his game - and a big part of what you want from a player."

Borini's transfer to Anfield means he links up with Rodgers for a third time.

The pair first worked together in Chelsea youth set-up, before the manager took him on loan to Swansea City in 2011.

Rodgers added: "Yes, I've known him since he had just turned 16 years of age. We (Chelsea) took him in from Bologna when he was 16 and he progressed incredibly well as a young player to go on to play for the first team at Chelsea.

"It didn't work out in terms of he couldn't agree a contract, but before he left I took him on loan to Swansea and he made a big, big impression there and really helped us in our promotion charge that season.

"He left and went away (to Roma) and in the last season he's done incredibly well.

"I think the supporters will love him. As I said, he's a goalscorer, but he's a multifunctional player who can play in a number of positions - and someone I believe has got great growth.

"He's one of the few young players in the full Italian squad. I'd anticipate that over the next two or three years he'll really progress and I'm sure do very well for Liverpool."

Borini made four first-team appearances for Chelsea, before firing six goals in 12 appearances at Swansea.

Rodgers believes the previous experience of English football will stand the 21-year-old in good stead for the challenges that await him at Anfield.

"I think the adaptation will be much easier," he said. "I believe he'll feel as though he's coming home because his formative years as a young player were here in Britain and the game in this country suits him.

"He's technically strong, he's a good finisher with both feet, he can play central or on the sides in a 4-3-3 up front, he's quick, and he's tactically very good.

"He is arguably the best physical player I've worked with in terms of his pace, power and fitness. Mentally, he's very strong. We've got a player who is on the up and someone who I think Liverpool will benefit from."

Despite his tender age, Borini already has international honours with Italy and was part of their squad for the European Championships.

But while Rodgers feels the forward has the talent to make an instant impact, he believes the Reds will also reap the long-term benefits of their new No.29.

"I don't want to put any unnecessary pressure on him," he said." I believe he's one who can impact now - and he still has a lot of learning, growth and a lot to achieve in the game.

"This is a great environment for him to come into. It's a coaching environment, and it's a club which is historic.

"To leave a club like Roma having done very, very well for them and having just completed a transfer shows the pull we have as a football club.

"Roma is one of the world's big clubs - certainly in Italy it is - so for him to leave there having done very well, and for Roma to fight to get him in, just shows the incredible pull Liverpool Football Club has."

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/rodgers-fans-will-love-him

[danperkins]

So this was the exciting signing Rogers was talking about that would excite the fans ??

The supporters are going to love him

[Lee]

So this was the exciting signing Rogers was talking about that would excite the fans ??

I suppose he is a bit of an exciting signing really mate, because I'm sure very few people here have seen him play in anything other than YouTube clips. I'm excited as I've seen next to nothing of him.

Seems like a sensible move though. He and Rodgers obviously know eachother well and I'm sure Rodgers can bring out the best in him.

Looking forward to seeing him play.

[doogle]

always worries me that if he is that good why would roma let him go and he be that cheap.

still lets hope he is top and its a sign of the future - us getting better value deals

maybe because we never offered silly money straight away? maybe because Fabio wanted to come to play with BR? Maybe because of the financial climate or probably all of the above,Roma were willing to sell to raise some pennies and we were willing to buy at a sensible price for someone who could one day(maybe sooner) be top quality who our manager knows well?

[danperkins]

I suppose he is a bit of an exciting signing really mate, because I'm sure very few people here have seen him play in anything other than YouTube clips. I'm excited as I've seen next to nothing of him.

Seems like a sensible move though. He and Rodgers obviously know eachother well and I'm sure Rodgers can bring out the best in him.

Looking forward to seeing him play.

all fair points mate.

Yeah i suppose wee bit of an unknown quantity. I'm always skeptical of Italians playing in Premier League, lets hope he is one of the good ones. Seems to have a bit of steel about him and seems determined, goal poacher is always good too.

Fingers crossed