Konate lost for words after Anfield debut in Liverpool´s friendly win over Osasuna

Ibrahima Konate was left lost for words after making his first Anfield appearance for Liverpool in Monday’s pre-season win over Osasuna.

The centre-back, signed for a fee in the region of £36million (€42.5m) from RB Leipzig, started the 3-1 friendly victory and played 80 minutes in front of a crowd of around 40,000.

The 22-year-old now cannot wait to experience a competitive game on Merseyside, with the Reds’ first home game of the 2021-22 season coming against Burnley on August 21.

“To be honest, I don’t have the words to explain my feelings when I put my first foot on the pitch,” he told Liverpool’s website. “It’s amazing and I’m very happy to have my first game at Anfield with fans.

“Today was amazing. I cannot imagine the stadium in the Premier League or Champions League.”

Liverpool were comfortable winners against the LaLiga side, Roberto Firmino scoring twice after Takumi Minamino broke the deadlock with a deflected strike.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are looking in good form ahead of their season opener away to Norwich City on Saturday.

“I think we did a very good game together and this is the most important [thing]. I am happy about my performance,” said Konate.

“It was the last friendly game, the last game of the pre-season – now the Premier League will start [on] Saturday and I am very excited for this moment.

“We were together for four weeks [in pre-season]; it was a little bit hard because we were in the hotel, but it was very good because we had a very good atmosphere with the team.

“Now I hope we are ready for the Premier League and the season.”