New Liverpool signing Dominik Szoboszlai has revealed that Reds icon Steven Gerrard proved central to his eventual choice of jersey number on Merseyside.
For those who may have missed it, midfielder Szoboszlai’s Anfield arrival was made official a short time ago.
After the powers that be at Liverpool informed RB Leipzig of their decision to activate the 22-year-old’s release clause earlier in the week, on Sunday evening, Szoboszlai was unveiled as the latest member of Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
We have completed the signing of Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig, subject to a work permit ✍️🔴
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 2, 2023
The Hungarian, it has since been revealed, has put pen to paper on a five-year contract on Merseyside, joining Alexis Mac Allister in a vastly-improved crop of engine room talent at Liverpool.
Unlike his fellow newcomer to Anfield, however, Szoboszlai, it has also been confirmed, opted against turning down the chance to announce his arrival by way of taking on perhaps the most iconic shirt number a Reds midfielder can don.
The number in question? Eight.
Szoboszlai, on the other hand, jumped at the opportunity to follow in Gerrard’s footsteps, going as far as to reveal that he boasts a tattoo of the ex-England international on his body:
“I have a tattoo from Steven Gerrard,” he began. “That was a reason why. When I was a child, to be honest I didn’t watch that much football, but when it was Champions League, I watched and he was one of the biggest.”
Szoboszlai on choosing number 8:
“I have a tattoo from Steven Gerrard. That was a reason why. When I was a child, to be honest I didn’t watch that much football, but when it was Champions League, I watched and he was one of the biggest.” pic.twitter.com/On47yaD77y
— The Anfield Talk (@TheAnfieldTalk) July 2, 2023
