Lazar Markovic joins Liverpool: Serbian winger looking to add to his already extensive silverware collection

The 20-year-old praises the Premier League as 'the strongest league in the world' after completing his estimated £20m move to Anfield

Agency
Wednesday 16 July 2014 12:54 BST
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Lazar Markovic has joined Liverpool
Lazar Markovic has joined Liverpool

Lazar Markovic's sights are firmly set on adding to his already considerable haul of silverware following the completion of his transfer to Liverpool from Benfica.

The Merseysiders announced on Tuesday that the 20-year-old Serbia winger had joined them for an undisclosed fee, reported to be £20million, on what they described as a "long-term deal".

Markovic began his professional career with Partizan Belgrade and won successive Serbian titles before leaving the club last summer for Benfica, with whom he went on to claim a Portuguese treble in 2013/14, as well as getting to the Europa League final.

And having now signed for the side who finished as runners-up in the Barclays Premier League last term, Markovic told liverpoolfc.com: "I went to Partizan and won the title. I went to Benfica and won the title. Now I have joined Liverpool and want to win the title, 100 per cent.

"The Premier League is the strongest league in the world, and so I am very happy to be here.

"I watched every game (of Liverpool's last season, from Portugal) and they played absolutely superb.

"It is a shame they did not win the (Premier League) title - but I hope we will win it this season."

On Liverpool's return to the Champions League, he said: "I have already played in the Champions League with Benfica.

"It is superb that Liverpool are in it and I hope we will go far next season."

He added: "I am very happy that I have joined such a great club. I hope that I will fulfil the expectations of the supporters, coaches, players and all connected to the club.

"I have seen what the players are like, I have seen what the supporters are like, and now I cannot wait to start playing there."

Brendan Rodgers has been proactive in his transfer business this summer

Regarding what is his fourth new recruit of the summer, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers said: "This is an exciting signing for us and one that improves our squad, in terms of attacking options, for the coming season.

"He was hugely impressive for Benfica last season and has proved he has the ability to produce the goods in European competition as well, which will be important for us.

"Lazar is flexible to play a number of positions, but I like the way he attacks games and is always positive and looking to make something happen. He will fit in with the way we play at Liverpool.

"Getting him at such a young age is also very pleasing for us, because we will be able to work with him to develop his talent within our group and improve him even further.

"He is the sort of character who is hungry to get better and progress; this is what we look for in players."

PA

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