'Jamie Carragher was my inspiration'
Liverpool's latest acquisition, Tiago Ilori, is eager to learn from his new teammates after completing a permanent switch from Sporting Lisbon on Monday – and has cited Anfield legend Jamie Carragher as one of his main inspirations.
Ilori sat down with Liverpoolfc.com to give an exclusive interview which subscribers can watch by clicking play below. Need a subscription? Click here to join now from £2.99.
The 20-year-old is relishing the prospect of training, and potentially playing, alongside the wealth of central defensive talent currently at the club.
Despite his tender years, Ilori insists he won't be fazed by the quality of players who now surround him at Melwood - and he can't wait to kick-start his Liverpool career.
"For me, the competition is great because I'm a young player, I want to learn and I think that with the players in my position I can learn a lot," he told Liverpoolfc.com.
"I used to watch Jamie Carragher play as a young boy and I would have loved to have had the chance to train and play with him. I'd also like to one day maybe fill his place, too.
"The last 24 hours have been chaotic. It's been nerve-wracking - I've just wanted to get things sorted out. But it's been exciting as well."
The youngster can already boast experience of playing in front of the Kop.
He was part of the Sporting Lisbon team which included Liverpool Academy starlet Joao Carlos Teixeira that beat the Reds 3-0 at Anfield in August 2011.
It's a night Ilori remembers fondly - and he's eager for plenty more wins in L4 over the coming seasons.
"It was incredible," said the defender. "It's one of the best stadiums I have ever played in. We won on the night, so I hope I can keep winning at Anfield.
"I'm definitely looking forward to walking out there as a Liverpool player. Everyone talks about the atmosphere. I'll feel proud when I get the chance to walk out the tunnel at Anfield.
"It'll be a dream come true, especially at such a young age."