Liverpool’s new £60million signing Dominik Szoboszlai has taken the number eight shirt previously worn with such distinction by Steven Gerrard as the former captain is one of his inspirations. The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract – subject to a work permit – after a move from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig was wrapped up in a couple of days following the Reds triggering his release clause on Friday, hours before its expiration. Szoboszlai will wear the shirt most recently vacated by Naby Keita, who was also signed from Leipzig, after his contract expired – but it is the most famous number eight to whom the midfielder looks up to. “Of course it’s a great number, a lot of great players had this number and also I have a tattoo from Steven Gerrard, what he said (the quote is ‘Talent is a divine blessing, but without incredible will and humility, it is worth nothing’) so it was also a reason why,” he told the club’s website. “When I was a child, to be honest I didn’t watch that much football but of course when it was Champions League or a big game, I was watching Liverpool, the big teams and also the big players – and he was one of the biggest. “The last three or four days went really long; it was not that easy. But at the end I’m here, I’m happy and I can’t wait to get started.” The Hungary international is the second player to arrive as part of a summer midfield rebuild following the signing of 24-year-old World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton for £35m. He was viewed by Liverpool as a more viable option than former target Mason Mount, in whom they were interested with 12 months remaining on his contract but not at the valuation Chelsea put on him, due to his comparative value, age, versatility and potential and the relative clarity of the deal due to the release clause. The deal was done so quickly because of the player’s keenness to move to Anfield and link up with Jurgen Klopp, of whom he has been a long-time admirer. “I was really happy (on hearing of Liverpool’s interest) but I stayed calm because I didn’t want to be too happy (too) early. “As I said, I think in 2020, (Klopp is) one of the best coaches in the world. How he acts next to the pitch, it is like he plays with the guys. I like that really a lot. “And also what he has achieved with this club is also really impressive, so I am looking forward to working with him.” The respect is mutual as Klopp believes Szoboszlai can play a big part in the club’s future. “We already have a little knowledge of Dominik as an opponent because we had a couple of really tough games against Red Bull Salzburg when he was a player there and I think everyone who saw those fixtures will have realised that even at that stage he was a really interesting prospect,” said the Reds boss. “I’m pretty sure he was still a teenager at that time and since then he has made some big strides: moving to Leipzig, doing really, really well in the Bundesliga, playing for the Hungary national team and then becoming captain of his national team at an incredibly young age. “These are proper positives and this is even before we even think about his qualities as a footballer. “I will not say too much about them at this stage except they are definitely the kind which will hopefully bring a lot of enjoyment and also help us to get results. “From the clubs he has been at, the leagues he has played in and the family he is part of, it is very clear that he has already had an outstanding football education, so our responsibility now is to continue this education with him as part of the Liverpool family. “Everything about this is good news. This is a signing for our present and also for our future and the work that has gone into it could not be more appreciated.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Brendon McCullum doubts squads ‘will be having a beer soon’ after fiery Test Jodie Burrage gets special practice partner a year on from Percy Pig incident From Leeds to Lord’s – 5 of Ben Stokes’ most memorable innings for England

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Popular Twitch streamer Kai Cenat has expressed his disappointment at fans who rioted during his New York giveaway. On 5 August, Kai held a huge giveaway at Union Square that saw gaming consoles given away. More than 6,000 people were said to have attended the event which soon turned sour. Footage showed teens damaging cars, throwing objects, fighting and blasting fire extinguishers. Kai was escorted away by security as crowds became increasingly chaotic. He was later charged with inciting a riot, with a court date of 19 August. The NYPD arrested 65 people, including 30 minors, on counts from disorderly conduct to assaulting a police officer. "Being from New York, it has been my dream to want to give back to the community that made me who I am," Kai told his subscribers. "But after Friday, I’ve come to realise the amount of power and influence that I have on people." Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter "I am beyond disappointed in anybody who became disruptive that day. None of that is cool," he continued. "None of that was my intention. I had good intentions for this whole thing. I don’t condone any of the things that went on that day." Kai then turned his attention to the media, saying that while he is able to handle anything towards him, that press should "leave [his] family out of it." "[There’s] no reason why you’re showing up to my mum’s house. I can handle it, whatever you want to say about me. I just don’t want you to be going to my mum’s house, she doesn’t even live in New York," he said. "I’m gonna have to chill for a bit," he continued. "You’re not gonna be seeing me for a bit, but it ain’t gonna be nothing long. I’ve gotta do what I’ve gotta do." Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

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