Liverpool signing Georginio Wijnaldum has claimed that Newcastle Unired manager Rafa Benitez played no part in his decision to join the Merseysiders.

The 25-year-old reveals that Benitez, who has managed the Reds in the past, wanted him to stay with the Magpies instead.

Eventually, the Dutch international moved to Anfield in a £25million move but Benitez played no part in the transfer according to Wijnaldum.

"He never gave me any advice or told me to go to Liverpool," said Wijnaldum.

"The biggest thing he said to me was that he wanted me to stay. He didn't want to disown (disappoint?) me but he made it clear that if a great offer came, Newcastle would think about it.

"He didn't say anything like 'Liverpool is a big club, you have to go there'. He told me first of all that he wanted me to stay.

"Now I am here. Everyone wants to play and we have to train well. We must force (Klopp) to let us play. You have to show him you deserve it."