Use your head like Sadio and subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Roberto Firmino knew “straight away” Liverpool was the right club for him, and has revealed the club’s current Brazilian duo were a factor in his move to Anfield.

The midfielder was the Reds’ second-costliest signing of the summer following his £29m move from Hoffenheim, but was arguably the most exciting after his impressive performances in the Bundesliga.

The transfer, completed during his time with the Brazilian national squad at the Copa America, appeared to move swiftly.

But Firmino admits he knew of the club’s interest in him months before, with the possibility of playing with Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Leiva particularly appealing to him.

He said: “I first knew about it a few months earlier and I instantly thought it would be an interesting idea for me because I knew Lucas and Coutinho were playing here.

“I had the chance to play alongside Philippe for the national team so, yes, I knew it would be a great opportunity for me straight away,

“I’m very happy to be here.”

IN PICS: How fans rated Firmino and his team-mates against Bournemouth

The 23-year-old says Coutinho told him what he could expect from his new club, and Firmino already knows his decision was the right one.

“He [Coutinho] said it’s a great club with a great squad and a great spirit so I’m really happy to be here,” added Firmino. “Now I know for myself that the team spirit is really good, because the players gave me a really warm welcome.”

Firmino’s signature was seen as a coup for the Reds, especially with no Champions League football.

Chief executive Ian Ayre flew out to South America to finalise the deal, although Firmino admits no other clubs had made a formal bid for him.

“I wasn’t aware of any other concrete offers for me, I only know that Liverpool were the only one keen to sign me and I wanted to come here,” he said.

“It was interesting [for Ayre to fly out] but when he went to the Copa America to sign me, everything was already agreed so it was just the formalities.”

Firmino has made two substitute appearances so far and is hoping to make his first start for the club away to Arsenal on Monday, in a game that could have ramifications on the race for the top four.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has stated his side are looking to land a blow on Arsenal, and Firmino has no doubt about what his new club must achieve this season.

“Obviously Liverpool is a great club and as a great club Liverpool has to be fighting for big things,” said Firmino.

“We have to be at the top so we will be fighting for a Champions League spot for next year and hoping to finish as high as we can in the Premier League.”