Alberto Aquilani admits he's amazed by how quickly Liverpool fans have taken to him.

Shortly after the 25-year-old's arrival on Merseyside last summer, a banner was unfurled inside Anfield proclaiming 'Il Principino - A Hero has Arrived'.

Naturally the flag is a great source of pride for Aquilani - and he is eager to thank Reds supporters on the pitch.

He told liverpoolfc.tv: "It filled me with incredible pride. I was already accustomed to the Roma supporters saluting me with their own songs and banners, but for the Liverpool fans to do the same, even though I had not proved myself in the Premier League, was amazing.

"It is now my job to repay their support and love."