Fabio Aurelio is confident he can pick up the pace of the Premiership following his arrival from Valencia.


The Brazilian free transfer teamed up with former manager Rafael Benitez at Liverpool this week and immediately outlined his determination to make an impact in England. And as well as hoping he can do his talking on the pitch, 26-year-old Aurelio is confident he can do it off the field as well.

He said:

"I studied English when I was in Brazil and it's a language I've always liked hearing and using. I'm looking forward to reacquainting myself with it again.
"But from a football point of view, the English league is one of the most important in the world and off the field I'm looking forward to living in a different country and understanding a different culture.
"I have already made the transition from Brazil to Spain and the idea of coming to England really excites me. I have a tremendous desire to get onto the field and show my qualities, just as I did when I first went to Valencia.
"I know it's a different style of football here because in Spain and Brazil football is played at a slower rhythm. Over here it's much quicker and more physical but I do believe I can adapt.
"It will take time but once the settling in period is over I am confident I'll demonstrate what I can do and show people why the manager has signed me.
"I couldn't be more excited.
"I've had a good career so far and done quite well, but this is a different challenge and a different opportunity for me now.
"I'm confident in my ability to adapt to any situation and I believe my qualities will suit the English game.
"I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe that."

Follow up:

It's little surprise, coming from the country that put the flair into football, that Aurelio is a self-confessed attacking left back and is keen to display the Samba skills that Liverpool fans will no doubt crave from their first ever Brazilian player.


And as well as opening up the right hand side of Premiership defences, Aurelio hopes he can open up doors for more players from his homeland to showcase their talents on English soil.

"It's great for me to be given this chance to come here and understand more about what football in this country is like," added Aurelio.
"It makes me feel really proud to be the first Brazilian at such a big club but it also gives me a responsibility because I hope I can help open a few doors for some other players from my country to maybe come to the Premiership in the future.
"So far everyone has been really friendly to me and the people I have met in the city have made me feel welcome. I really want to do well now for my new club."

Gabriel Paletta was unveiled alongside Aurelio yesterday, and the 20-year-old centre half has also made a big commitment after leaving Argentina for the first time.


Paletta, who cost £2 million from Banfield, said:

"This is a big challenge for me and I know I have made a big decision to move so far away from home at such a young age.
"But it was an opportunity I couldn't turn down because this is a great club with a great manager.
"I'm really excited about my future with Liverpool. I watched the Premiership on TV when I was in Argentina and I know what a great opportunity this is for me.
"I know all about the club's history but the important thing now is the future and I'm delighted to be a part of it.
"I consider myself to be a player for the future because I know I have a lot to learn, but at the same time I also want to challenge for a first team place as soon as possible to show the fans what I can do."

Source: Nick Smith, Daily Post


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