RB Salzburg manager Jesse Marsch says it was a great honour for Takumi Minamino to join Liverpool.

The Reds were impressed with the Japan international after playing Salzburg in the Champions League group stage, eventually signing him in the January transfer window.

Asked about the transfer, Marsch told Goal and SPOX: "Taki made it clear at the beginning of the talks in November that he would like to leave in winter.

"He wanted to make sure that he behaved best in the rest of his time in Salzburg. We helped him think carefully about his next step. It was clear to us: He will leave us.

"In the end, he went to the reigning Champions League winners, a deal that means a lot to the entire club and is a great honour."