Naby Keita admits Steven Gerrard is the inspiration behind his move to Liverpool.
Keita had a Liverpool jersey growing up and always wanted to be Gerrard when he played with his mates in the streets of the capital Conakry.
“Since I signed for Liverpool, my dad has spoken to me a lot about how much he loved them," said Keita. “As a kid we used to play in the streets wearing Liverpool shirts. He had that love of Liverpool back then when I was 11 or 12.
“Eight is a number I've always liked. It's also the number my dad wore when he played so it's special to me. When we played, because I'm a midfielder and Steven Gerrard was always the boss of the team, I had to be him.
“I couldn't be anyone else but Steven Gerrard when I played. I wanted to be like him, I guess."
Gerrard handed over his No.8 shirt to Keita last summer, when Liverpool announced he would be joining them this month in a £52.75million transfer from Germany's RB Leipzig.
Keita also told the Liverpool Echo: “I'm aware that it's a big number here at Liverpool and I'm very excited to wear it.
“I know it was Steven's number but I'm not going to put any extra pressure on myself. It's just a number and it's not hugely important what you wear on your back.
“What I am focusing on is performing well for this club and contributing for this team."