Why The Ox became a Red

LIVERPOOL. — Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has revealed the opportunity to develop under Jurgen Klopp was “instrumental” in his decision to join Liverpool.

The England international joined Liverpool from Arsenal on Deadline Day for a fee that could eventually rise to £40m.

The move came after the 24-year-old rejected a £180 000-per-week offer to extend his contract with the Gunners, which had less than a season remaining.

And Oxlade-Chamberlain says he always admired the “bond” Liverpool’s manager has with his players.

“Even as a neutral watching them last season, he is a very interesting character and someone that seems very inspiring for people that aren’t even involved in the club,” Oxlade-Chamberlain told the club’s official website.

“Watching him, you see his passion and how much he cares about the game. The thing that stood out for me was his relationship with the players and how closely he seems to bond with them on and off the field.

“That is massive and that is definitely a big plus when you are looking to progress and have that relationship with the manager. That definitely helps.

“And obviously the way his teams play - he gets the boys playing. That is definitely inspirational for me.

“It was one of the instrumental - if not the instrumental - reasons why I felt this place was definitely the place for me.”

Meanwhile, Philippe Coutinho has arrived back at Liverpool’s Melwood training centre for the first time since the summer transfer window shut.

Coutinho flew back to England on Wednesday morning on a private jet, alongside his Brazilian teammates, after scoring for his country in their 2-0 World Cup qualifier win against Ecuador.

The 25-year old was the subject of interest from Barcelona throughout the summer, with Liverpool rejecting three bids from the Spanish club - including their latest of £118m.

The midfielder submitted a transfer request in August in order to force through a move, but it was immediately dismissed by the Reds.

Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group maintained Coutinho would not be sold before the close of the summer window, despite Barcelona’s continued attempts.

Coutinho’s arrival back at Melwood is his first appearance since departing for the international break, and he will now link up with the first-team ahead of their clash with Manchester City tomorrow.

Manager Jurgen Klopp also welcomed back nine other players to training yesterday, including Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, Ben Woodburn, Danny Ward, Dejan Lovren, Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dominic Solanke and Emre Can. — Sky Sports.