Portuguese Defender Reveals Reasons for Joining Liverpool

Liverpool summer signing Tiago Ilori has revealed that there was interest from other clubs but made it clear that the Red's rich history and personal approach made it an easy decision to move to Merseyside.

The 20 year old defender made his competitive debut for Liverpool as the Under 21 side thrashed Sunderland 5-2 at Anfield with first team manager Brendan Rodgers watching in the stands.

Having seen fellow new arrival Mamdou Sakho make his debut in the 2-2 draw with Swansea, Ilori will no doubt be eager to impress Rodgers and earn an opportunity to feature in the Premier League.

Having chosen to continue his career away from his boyhood club Sporting Lisbon, and it seems despite interest from various clubs, he always had his heart set on playing for Liverpool.

"This is the best league in the world and it has always been a dream of mine to come and play here," Ilori told the official Liverpool website. "It's never easy leaving the country you grew up in but it wasn't that difficult because I knew I was doing what I wanted to do.

"That made it easier. I was aware of a couple of other clubs that were interested but the way Liverpool dealt with it and spoke with me made it an easier choice.

"The club's history played a part but it was more about their approach and the way they dealt with me. I felt that this was the place to be."

The Portugal youth international may not be known to many Liverpool supporters after only playing a handful of first team games for Sporting Lisbon, but his debut for the U21 side showed a defender who was comfortable in possession and possessing natural pace.

Describing his own style of play, Ilori said: "I don't think I'm such a fighter like a typical centre-back, but I can be aggressive when I need to. I like to take the ball out. I'm quick as well.

"It's true that they have speed tests at Sporting and in one of them I have the record. Over 30 metres it's something like three seconds.

"I learned a lot at Sporting. The biggest game I've ever played in was away to Benfica last season. It was in front of 62,000 people. We lost 2-0 but we played really well and it was a great experience."