http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/166356-lazar-markovic-the-first-interview please log in to view this image Lazar Markovic has set his sights on maintaining a unique personal record by helping Liverpool go one better in the Barclays Premier League this season. The 20-year-old forward completed his transfer from Benfica on Tuesday after signing a long-term deal at Melwood. He arrives with an already impressive CV, which boasts league title winning medals in each of his four professional seasons so far with Partizan and Benfica. Moments after putting pen to paper on his contract, Markovic sat down with Liverpoolfc.com at the club's training complex to speak about his switch to Merseyside. Lazar, welcome to Liverpool Football Club. How do you feel to have signed for this club? 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. What was your reaction when you found out Liverpool were interested in you? I was delighted and increased my efforts in playing and training at the prospect of joining such a great club. What was the biggest surprise in joining Liverpool? Being asked to join! It is a surprise being here. How exciting is the prospect of now getting the opportunity to play in the Premier League? The Premier League is the strongest league in the world, and so I am very happy to be here. And the Champions League, too. You must be looking forward to experiencing that? 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. Have you had a chance to catch up with the manager, Brendan Rodgers? What has he said to you? Nothing special. He told me what position I will be playing in the team and I am here to fulfil his expectations. We know you can play in a few positions, but which would be your preference? I do not mind. The left side is preferable, but I will play wherever I am asked. What do you think you can offer Liverpool? It is not my place to say, really, but hopefully my contribution on the pitch will show. Liverpool had an excellent campaign last year, finishing second. Did you follow it from Portugal? I watched every game and they played absolutely superb. It is a shame they did not win the title - but I hope we will win it this season. Which players are you most excited to play alongside? I could not favour any one of them. They are all equally good...but maybe the captain, Gerrard, as he is the team's leader. You spent one season with Benfica, how important was that for you? It was very important because if it wasn't for Benfica, I probably wouldn't be here. This is my opportunity to say thank you to all the players, president and all involved at the club. You've won the league title in each of your four seasons as a professional. Which of those gave you the most experience and the basis to get here now to Liverpool? There isn't one in particular, really. All were hard work and I benefited from each of them - and all of which have resulted in me being here today. You have never played at Anfield before, how excited are you about the prospect of that? 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. Have you spoken to your international teammates Matija Nastasic and Nemanja Matic, who play for Manchester City and Chelsea respectively, about playing in the Premier League? I spoke to them both a couple of days ago and they are very happy that I am here, and I am looking forward to playing against them. Finally, what would your message to Liverpool fans be? 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. please log in to view this image
Seems a man of very little words. One sentence answers mostly Anyone know if he speaks English? Usually easier for players to settle and being so young, settling in early is vital. Looks an exciting player although obviously far from the finished article. Good to have him and Sterling competing for similar positions out wide or as the second striker. Him Stelring Coutinho & Suso competing for that number 10 role and him, Sterling, Ibe, Borini competing for a wide position depending on the formation. Did someone say he's going to be number 50? I think that's what he was at Benfica so obviously means something to him but could have been our new number 7. Hoping Lallana or Lambert don't get 7 or 9. No offence to them, but Ruess can have 9 and Shaqiri can have 7
I think directness is no harm at all. For example raikkonen. Him left and sterling right? It's going to be interesting
Interesting and exciting. Imagine the pace of him left, Sterling right and Sturridge up front. Be even quicker than when Suarez was there Teams will be petrified of us counting on them which is great news, assuming they can play and link up well.
Good stuff,glad this is sorted. Says he watched every Liverpool game last season Looks rapid across the turf,we have some serious pace up front Like the look of this latest recruit,looking forward to seeing him tearing defences apart.
Makes a change from being a boy-hood red like every other player that joins us claims... (as will Barkley when he joins us)
It's zap branagans number so he must be off to Barca I would as a player leave no 7 well alone but then some players have huge egos to feed
TBF Lambert was born in Kirkby! I'm excited about Markovic think he will become a great player, just hope he can hit the ground running.
Havent seen much of this lad, but he alot of people are suggesting his potential is massive....Hope he really blossoms for us.
James Orr of The Independent describes how Markovic could fit in at Liverpool: The versatile Markovic can play either on the left wing or as up front on his own, and is expected to complete Brendan Rodgers post-Suarez attack alongside the central Rickie Lambert and Daniel Sturridge on the right. No.
