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The ink was barely dry on his new Liverpool contract when Fabinho's mobile phone started to buzz.

Flashing up on the screen was a notification from a former Monaco team-mate eager to salute the Brazilian on completing his surprise £39.3million move to Anfield.

And not just any old ex-colleague, either.

“Kylian Mbappe sent me a text message congratulating me on going to Liverpool,” says Fabinho.

“I have not had the chance to congratulate him yet on what he did winning the World Cup.

“What France did was fantastic. What Mbappe has done in two years of professional football is amazing.

“He is a phenomenon and needs to be congratulated. As soon as I have the chance, I will.”

So genial are the duo that Mbappe didn't think twice before passing on his best wishes, briefly interrupting preparations for the World Cup that would announce his burgeoning talent on a global stage.

And that friendship could come in useful should Liverpool ponder attacking reinforcements in future transfer windows.

(Image: VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images)

“He has already said for the next season he will remain at PSG,” laughs Fabinho. “But I will try slowly to convince him to come to Liverpool!”

Tongue planted firmly in cheek it may have been, but there's nothing flippant about the delight Fabinho has expressed after moving to Anfield.

Nor the genuine surprise by which it took many, the deal being confirmed less than 48 hours after Liverpool had started licking their wounds from the devastating Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid in May.

Initial contact, though, had been made long before Kiev.

(Image: John Powell)

“I believe everything happened about a month before the end of the season,” reveals Fabinho. “Liverpool expressed interest to Monaco and then had a conversation with my people and everything went fast from then on. Things worked out.

“Were there other clubs? No. Just Liverpool. When I became aware of Liverpool’s interest I was very excited.

“I tried to focus on the end of the season with Monaco, but when you are aware a club of Liverpool’s dimension is interested in your services, obviously it touches you.

“I tried to play my best for my team, trying to come second in the French league, but obviously you think about it.”

(Image: John Powell)

The 24-year-old, then, watched with greater interest as Liverpool fought their way to the Champions League showpiece while earlier securing a place in next season's competition.

But like so many across Europe, he'd already considered Jurgen Klopp's side essential viewing.

“Of course I watched and followed Liverpool last season because the way they played was very exciting – their quick transitions, the counter-attacking, the way they played from the defence to the opposition net, it was fantastic to watch,” says the Brazilian.

“We have to carry on that way this season so it will be very important for us to follow that through.”

Fabinho, holding court via an interpreter from inside a hospitality box overlooking the Anfield pitch, appears affable, self-assured and, at 6ft 2ins, a considerable presence.

And there is similar confidence in Liverpool's ability to this season challenge Manchester City for the title and upset two other old Monaco team-mates, Benjamin Mendy and close friend Bernardo Silva.

(Image: John Powell)

“We have a very good team and we will be able to fight for the title,” says Fabinho.

“I have just started with my team-mates and I understand we have excellent players. We have an excellent manager and a very good group.

“I have been able to get in touch with them (Mendy and Silva) and we have spoken quite often. Mainly Bernardo Silva. I told him although we are friends, when we play each other maybe I will be a bit harsh on him!

“I am pleased they are playing in England and we will be living close by. Off the pitch we are very good friends, but on the pitch is a different story.

“In the past I have never had the chance to play a team which had a good friend of mine playing for them. But I am sure near to those matches we can exchange some text messages!”

Clearly, it won't just be Mbappe that Fabinho is teasing this season.