Bradley Barcola reveals why he joined Liverpool from PSG

The France international completed his move to Liverpool on Monday, signing a long-term contract before taking the No.29 shirt.

Barcola arrives on Merseyside after helping PSG win the Champions League in each of the last two seasons. During that run, he twice experienced Anfield as an opposition player in Champions League knockout ties.

Those visits left a strong impression and helped convince the forward that Liverpool was the right move for him.

"First of all, it's a great pride to be able to play for Liverpool," Barcola said in his first interview with the club. "I'm very happy. It took a long time but I'm really happy today to be able to play for Liverpool and all I want is to be on the pitch and be able to play."

Barcola admitted he spent the final days of the transfer waiting quietly with his family before celebrating when the move was finally confirmed.

"I was with my family, quietly, waiting for it to happen," he said. "When I saw the news, I was very happy and surrounded by people I love the most. We celebrated well."

The 23-year-old said Liverpool's supporters were one of the biggest attractions after experiencing their backing first-hand at Anfield.

"Honestly, it's the passion of the fans," Barcola said. "I had the chance to play twice in this stadium and I saw the atmosphere and how the fans were behind the Liverpool players."

Playing against Liverpool was also a difficult experience for Barcola, who believes the quality of the team and the atmosphere inside Anfield make the club a tough opponent.

"First of all, it was very hard because there are some very good players here and it's a very good team," he said. "And then it's even harder because of the supporters, the atmosphere that there was."

Now, Barcola is looking forward to experiencing that atmosphere from the other side.

"I just want to play, that's all I'm waiting for," he said. "It will be incredible."

Barcola believes his pace and attacking ability can fit naturally into Liverpool's style under manager Andoni Iraola.

"It's to bring speed, danger," he said. "I think the style of play of the coach and my style of play are very similar, so I think I can only add more of the same to this team."

The forward also feels his qualities are well suited to the demands of the Premier League, having faced English opposition several times during his career.

Barcola has already spoken to fellow Frenchman Hugo Ekitike, who he knows from both the France set-up and his previous club. Ekitike had been regularly messaging him while waiting to discover whether the move would happen.

"I can't wait to get back together and be able to play with him," Barcola said.

Barcola also revealed that Iraola has given him confidence by making it clear that he expects the new signing to play an important role.

"He told me that my quality brought a real plus to this team and that he was counting on me, that he had confidence in me," Barcola said.

"That's what made me want to join this team, because when you have the confidence of a coach you can only be good on the pitch."

The Frenchman insists he is ready to make an immediate contribution after working hard during the summer to maintain his fitness.

"I worked hard during the holidays, I did everything I could to stay fit as much as possible, so I feel ready already," he said.

Barcola's choice of the No.29 shirt also has a personal story behind it. He explained that it has been his favourite number since childhood, when he played EA FC and used the character Alex Hunter.

"I had promised myself to have this number with Alex Hunter and in the end I was lucky to have it," he said. "That's why I hope to keep it for the whole of my career."

The new Liverpool forward has already set his sights on major honours, with winning the Premier League high on his list of ambitions.

"I hope to achieve very big things," Barcola said. "First of all, winning the Premier League - it's one of my biggest dreams in my life."

He also promised to give everything for the club after receiving a warm welcome from Liverpool supporters.

"I will give my all for this team and thank you for accepting me in such a big club, for supporting us," Barcola said. "I hope I will make them proud."

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