Coates: Suarez key to deal
Sebastian Coates today revealed how Luis Suarez's love for Liverpool fans helped convince him to sign for the Reds.
The 20-year old Uruguay international put pen to paper on a long-term deal at Melwood on Tuesday evening after finalising his transfer from Nacional - and immediately hailed Suarez's contribution in securing his Anfield arrival.
"Luis told me a lot about Liverpool - but about the fans more than anything else," said Coates, in an exclusive interview with Liverpoolfc.tv. "He told me how passionate they are about the club and how supportive they are.
"I saw that myself on Saturday when the fans really got behind their side against Bolton and that was great to see.
"Luis also told me about the history and the tradition of the club and now I feel very happy and excited to be here because I have left one great club in Nacional and signed for another great club with a fantastic history.
"To come to such a big club alongside a fellow countryman is very important for me. I know Luis will help me settle in, we have the same cultures and customs so having him around will help me a lot."
Coates and Suarez celebrated success on the international stage in the summer as Uruguay landed the Copa America - with our latest signing being named the Young Player of the tournament in Argentina.
Having tasted success with his country, he's now setting his sights on helping Liverpool land silverware over the coming years.
Click on the image below to watch the first interview with our new signing
"You always want to win everything as a player but in my case I know I have to take things step by step," he added. "I have to train hard ad be ready to get out onto the field and play.
"I want to win as much as I can in a Liverpool shirt and that means the league title and any cup competitions we take part in. We have to set our sights high."
Coates has already experienced the Anfield atmosphere after watching the weekend victory over Bolton from the Director's Box - but he's hoping to spend more time on the pitch than in the stands in the future.
"Even though I hadn't signed I still wanted to get out there and play," he said. "From the moment I sat in the stand I wanted to be out on the pitch.
"I know that when I do get the chance to play I have to perform to the best of my ability. I'm really happy to be here. When I arrived at the stadium on Saturday I was treated very well by everybody and I hope to repay all those good wishes in the future."
Click on the image below to watch our chat with Damien Comolli