London – Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said he believes new signing Fabio Borini will be a success in the Premier League.
The 21-year-old Borini, part of the Italian Euro 2012 squad, signed a “long-term deal” on Friday after agreeing to move from Roma and passing a medical.
And Rodgers, who had Borini on loan at Swansea and worked with him at Chelsea, said he expects great things from his new signing.
“He's a big talent, 21 years of age, he scores goals, and his passion, focus and concentration is a very important part of his game – and a big part of what you want from a player,” the manager said.
“I was very keen to bring him here. Fabio fits the model of what we're trying to do in building not only for now, but also for the future.
“I think the supporters will love him. He's a goalscorer, but he's a multifunctional player who can play in a number of positions – and someone I believe has got great growth.
“He's one of the few young players in the full Italian squad. I'd anticipate that over the next two or three years he'll really progress and I'm sure do very well for Liverpool.”
Borini joined Chelsea as a 16-year-old and broke through for the first team before joining Swansea on loan.
“I believe he'll feel as though he's coming home because his formative years as a young player were here in Britain and the game in this country suits him,” Rodgers said, naming Borini “arguably the best physical player I've worked with in terms of his pace, power and fitness.”
Borini said he was looking forward to renewing acquaintance with Rodgers.
“I've got the trust of the manager and the club, which for me is very nice and I'm proud to be here,” he said.
“He was very important. I wouldn't say it was the key, but most of it came from him. Even during last season, I spoke with him a lot ... First of all it is a relationship of friendship and afterwards it is a working one. That is more important than anything.”
The arrival of Borini coincided with Liverpool allowing Argentina forward Maxi to return to his home country with Newell Old Boys. – Sapa-dpa