Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has confirmed Liverpool were pursuing him for over a year before they sealed his services last month.

Ian Ayre flew out to the Copa America in Chile, where Firmino was playing, to complete a £30million swoop for the Brazil international.

The 23-year-old, who joined from Hoffenheim, scored seven goals in 33 Bundesliga starts last term but could have joined the Reds last summer, when Brendan Rodgers first showed an interest.

Firmino had been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer but the forward revealed he opted to move to Anfield following a protracted chase from the Reds.

"I decided for Liverpool because they wanted me for over a year,” the Brazilian told Bild.

“There was a certain sympathy from the beginning and I had a good feeling from the start."

"I come to the best league in the world. I can grow there. Physically, it will be a new challenge due to the big number of games to be played with the five competitions.

"I am looking forward [to seeing] the fans at Anfield. I am already having goosebumps if I think of them singing 'You'll never walk alone'."