Frimpong: I’ve dreamed of wearing a Liverpool shirt since I was a kid

Liverpool recently signed a new player – Frimpong.He is from Holland, 24 years old this year, and just transferred from Leverkusen in Germany.After joining the club, he was interviewed by the club’s official website, sharing his feelings about coming to Liverpool, his expectations for the future, and his childhood dreams.

What was it like coming to Liverpool?

He said: “It’s great for me to play for Liverpool!I’m really happy.My family and girlfriend are very excited and I feel like I’m dreaming.”

He added that he had made up his mind to come when Liverpool expressed interest in him.“I was telling my agent, ‘Whatever it takes, make sure you get me this transfer’.”He puts it bluntly, “The whole process went very smoothly and there was no trouble.”

What kind of player are you?

If you don’t know much about Frimpong, he introduces himself in simple words, “I’m a fast runner, very physical and can run back and forth on the wing.I like to hustle and break with the ball, and I can bring a lot of energy to the team as well.”

He said he is characterized by his speed and energy, which makes him suitable for the wing position.

Did you want to come to Liverpool when you were a kid?

“Yes, I always wanted to join a top team.Liverpool used to contact me when I was a kid and I wanted to go then.But because of some practical reasons, such as inconvenient transportation, it didn’t work out in the end.”

But he doesn’t regret his choice because looking back now, everything went well.“See I’m not here now!”He said with a smile.

Did your teammates in the national team introduce you to life in Liverpool?

“Yeah, I talked to Van Dijk a few times.He told me about the team and the warmth of the fans here.He said my teammates would welcome me and told me not to worry.”

As captain of the Dutch national team, van Dijk is a great leader in his eyes.“They all said a lot of positive things and made me even more excited about my new life here.”

What do you think of your previous ‘Pool Call’ video that went viral?

“To be honest, I didn’t expect that video to be so popular.I just thought I’d give it a go because Hrafenbech was already playing in Liverpool and there’s a lot of local accent culture in Liverpool.I just tried to mimic it and I didn’t expect the response to be so great.”

He said he found it quite funny and appreciated the support of the fans.

You played at Anfield last year, what was the atmosphere like there?

“It was away that time but I think it was one of the best venues I’ve ever played at.The fans were cheering really loud and the whole atmosphere of the stadium got the blood pumping.”

He said he was impressed by the feeling of being there and was even a little bit “on top”.

What kind of team do you think Liverpool are?

“You all know the answer to that, so I won’t go into it.They won the Premier League and are very strong.I played a few games against them before when I was at Leverkusen and it was really hard to deal with.”

He said that while Leverkusen weren’t bad, he always felt the other team was better when facing Liverpool.

You were born in Holland but grew up in England, did that help in adapting to the new environment?

“Of course it helped.Although I was born in Amsterdam, I grew up in England so the language and culture are not new to me.I’m sure I can adapt to the pace here very quickly.”

Your brother had encouraged you to leave your comfort zone and play soccer, how has your mindset changed now that you look back?

“It’s changed quite a lot.I used to be young and always worried about leaving my friends because growing up and going to school together, those relationships were important to me.”

At that point, he said, he actually thought about giving up and not wanting to go out into the world.But his brother’s words reminded him, “You have to take chances and prove yourself.”

Now he’s much more mature and no longer afraid of challenges.“I have a completely different mindset now.”

What do you hope to achieve at Liverpool?

“I’ve won trophies almost everywhere I’ve been.For example, the league title, the cup, even the treble.So I hope to keep winning at Liverpool as well.”

He says he plays to win, and the more the better.

Liverpool just won the title in the last few days, do you remember the celebrations?

“I remember it very well.I was on vacation at the time and I was swiping through social media and saw images of their title parade, it was crazy!I wanted to be there like them, celebrating together.”

Does seeing these images make you more motivated?

“Of course it does!That’s why we play soccer.We want to make the fans happy and make them proud of us.When you win a game and everyone cheers together, it’s a great feeling.”

He said he especially enjoys those winning moments and that’s what keeps him going.

Have you talked to Head Coach Slaughter?What are his expectations of you?

“We’ve talked a couple times.He said I’m a good runner, fast and have good technique.He thinks I can bring a lot of energy to the team.”

Hearing his coach say that about himself, he said he was confident.“Coach trusts you and that’s the most important thing.”

What do you know about Coach Slaughter?Looking forward to working with him?

“I’ve heard of him before in Holland and know that he coaches well in the Dutch Eredivisie.I have some ex-teammates who also played at Feyenoord and they all say he is one of the best coaches.”

He said he was excited to be his player now.

Salah is also your new teammate, what do you think of the star?

“It’s an honor to play with world-class players.Salah is such a player, he has been so good this season.”

He said that not only Salah but the whole Liverpool squad is strong.“I’m really looking forward to playing alongside them.”

You’re only 24 now but have already won quite a few honors, do you think you can still improve?

“Of course I can.I feel like I have to learn every day and keep getting better.That’s how soccer is, you can never stop.”

He says he is always thinking about how to get better, both in training and during games.

If we were to sit down and talk again in five years, what goals would you like to have achieved?

“I’d like to be able to look back at my accomplishments then, like, ‘Well, I’ve won this trophy and I’ve won that trophy ……’ and then reminisce about the journey with my family, friends and teammates.”

He said it would be great to have a great time with everyone.

Finally, what would you like to say to Liverpool fans?

“I would like to tell the Liverpool fans: I will give my best, all my effort and energy.I hope we win together, celebrate together and achieve our goals.”

He said that he appreciates the passion and support of the fans and will repay the trust with his actions.