Joel Matip has explained why this summer was the perfect time for him to join Liverpool.

Matip signed for Liverpool on a free transfer this summer and leaving his boyhood club Schalke to join a new team in entirely different surroundings was most certainly a big decision for the 25-year-old.

Matip has now gone on to speak regarding his transfer to Anfield and has explained that the presence of Jurgen Klopp as well as the prestige of Liverpool convinced him to swap the Veltins-Arena for Anfield.

"This is a wonderful, famous club," Matip told the club's official matchday programme.

"Everybody around the game knows about the supporters and the great atmosphere in the stadium.

"I knew the coach from Germany and understood that he was a great coach so that was one factor too. The overall combination meant this was the perfect time to come to Liverpool.

"I have watched a lot of Premier League games and a lot of Liverpool matches and knew that playing in this league was what I wanted to do because there are a lot of big clubs and great players and it was always a good league to see.

"There is so much competition in this league - no other country has the same level of competition. I knew that it would be an honour to play against these players and hopefully it will help make me become a better player.

"Both leagues have a high tempo but I think in the Premier League there are many more situations where there is a greater physicality. That is the most specific difference: needing to use your body more."