Victor Munoz has revealed the promise Andoni Iraola made to him that helped secure his transfer to Liverpool earlier this summer. The Reds completed a £34.5million deal to sign Munoz in June, paying the release clause in the winger's contract at Osasuna.
First training session
Wednesday saw Munoz take part in his first training session as he linked up with his new Liverpool teammates for the first time since his transfer was completed. The 23-year-old winger was given an extended break following his involvement with the Spain national team on their way to winning the World Cup, but cut short his holiday to return to pre-season early.
Munoz was fully involved in his first session on Wednesday, when it was also confirmed that he would be taking the No. 23 shirt at Liverpool - a number most iconically worn by club legend Jamie Carragher.
Iraola's promise
The winger is one of just two fresh faces to arrive at Liverpool this summer, alongside Jeremy Jacquet, whose deal was finalised earlier in the year. Jacquet's arrival was completed while Arne Slot remained manager, making Munoz the inaugural signing under Iraola's leadership, and the winger is eager to begin working with his compatriot.
“I’m sure it’s the correct step for me and this is exactly what the coach, Andoni, said to me as well – that he was going to put a lot of confidence in me,” Munoz told Liverpool's club website.
“He rightly pointed out that I am quite a young player, I’m here as a professional and he is going to help me. He is going to help me to develop, and develop within and for this great club and in this mythical stadium, Anfield.
“His style, it is well known already that he likes to play with open wingers on both sides and to build this constant and intense pressure, this overwhelming drive forward.
“So, I think that fits perfectly with my skill set, these are tools that I as a player also bring to the game, so I think it is a good fit for me and I hope to bring these skills to Liverpool.”
Feeling good
Speaking about his arrival, Munoz added: “The truth is I feel very good. I had a great experience today with my teammates for the first time, they’ve all been very helpful and several of those teammates set out for me in a very simple manner things like where to go, what we are going to do, how things work.
“And of course, I have had my first training session today with my teammates and the coach, and the class we had after the training session was very good and helpful also. So, I feel great.”
Quick decision
When asked about how his move to Liverpool materialised, Munoz went on to explain how he came to the decision to sign for the Reds.
“Yeah, it was a very quick process. Obviously, when it arose I was out there at the World Cup with the Spain squad so I couldn’t take any time away to come over to Liverpool to set things in stone here.
“But obviously I discussed it with my family and straight away there were no doubts that it was a great move for me. So, it went very, very quickly and I am very happy to be here.”
