Liverpool boss Rodgers has mentor Mourinho to thank after completing Sahin deal

Liverpool have completed the season-long loan deal for Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin, who revealed Bernabeu team-mate Xabi Alonso played a key role in his decision to head to Anfield.

The 23-year-old Turkey international becomes new Reds boss Brendan Rodgers' fourth new arrival following Joe Allen, Fabio Borini and Oussama Assaidi.
The Merseysiders saw off competition from Arsenal for Sahin, who helped Madrid win the Primera Division title last season, and the player said former Liverpool midfielder Alonso's passion for the club convinced him it was the right move.

Welcome aboard: Brendan Rodgers and new loan signing Nuri Sahin

Asked whether he spoke with Alonso before making his mind up, he told the club's website: 'Yes, of course. A lot of times. Xabi is a person who really cares about football. He's in love with football. I'm the same, and that's why we had a lot of conversations.
'When I arrived at Real Madrid, we spoke about German football and Italian football. He likes football! When he heard Liverpool were interested in me, he started telling me about Liverpool.
'He is still in love with Liverpool Football Club, I think. It's crazy how he was telling me about Liverpool. He was saying, 'Go there - you will love it. The fans will take care of you and love you' and things like that.
'He said Anfield is the best stadium in the world. Xabi won a lot of trophies here, and hopefully we can do that too.'
Madrid coach Jose Mourinho also advised Sahin the Barclays Premier League would be good for his development.
'We spoke and he told me that English football, especially the Premier League, is the best to enjoy as a footballer,' the former Borussia Dortmund man said.
'Every weekend you can enjoy football. He also told me about how he and Brendan Rodgers worked together at Chelsea and that he's a good coach and person. That's important for me. It's not only football, it was very important for me to have someone who I can speak with.'
Sahin becomes the first Turkish player to sign for the Reds, and he cannot wait to get to work for his new club under the guidance of former Swansea boss Rodgers.

Done deal! Liverpool boss Rodgers has Mourinho to thank after completing loan deal for star Sahin

'We've had a lot of conversations,' he said. 'We spoke and he told me about his ideas for how he wants to play football and where he sees me on the field in the team. I was impressed at how he loves football.'
He added: 'Of course it makes me proud to play for such a big club like Liverpool Football Club as the first Turkish player. Now it is up to me to make the people in Turkey proud.
'It feels great. I am happy to be here and I am looking forward to playing for Liverpool.'
Sahin joined Madrid last summer after catching the eye during a successful spell with Dortmund, with whom he won the Bundesliga title in 2010/11.
'I had a difficult season last year because of a lot of injuries,' said the player, who has also won 31 caps with Turkey, scoring his first national goal aged just 17 against Germany in 2005.
'I had three injuries last year. The team played very well, but I didn't play too many games, so that's why I spoke to Real Madrid and told them I wanted to go out for a year.
'I want to play football - and it was important for me to be at a club where the manager really wants me. I wanted to play for a club on the same level as Dortmund and Madrid - that's why I chose Liverpool.
'This year, it is very important for me to play. I have to play, improve my game and help the team. If I stay in good condition, I am sure I can help the team and Liverpool Football Club, and Brendan Rodgers and my new team-mates can help me.'

Old pals: Brendan Rodgers (left) and Jose Mourinho (right)

Rodgers has admitted turning to his mentor Mourinho to try to bring the feelgood factor back to Anfield.
‘Jose has been fantastic in talking about his qualities and strengths,’ said Rodgers. ‘It’s a great opportunity to bring in a top technician.
‘For me it’s important players can technically participate in the game. I’ve got some outstanding players here but this guy has got experience as well for a young player of 23.
‘He’s a master technician and that’s something important, that I’ve got players who can cope with the game.’
Sahin, who has 31 caps and was voted the Bundesliga Player of the Year with Dortmund two seasons ago, turned down the chance of Champions League football at Arsenal to be at Liverpool.
‘When we knew of his availability, our task was to wrestle away the momentum of him joining Arsenal,’ added Rodgers.
‘As you can imagine that’s very difficult because Arsenal are a wonderful club and play a style of football suited to his qualities. But we’ve been able to persuade him to come here. He’s a very clever guy, he’s done a lot of homework on myself as a manager and the club itself.

Check up: Sahin undergoes a medical at Melwood training ground

‘I promise players three things. The first is my communication. I won’t bluff players, I’ll be totally honest and open with them.
‘The second is that they’ll become better, that the quality of work will improve them as players. And thirdly I promise ambition. I want to be the very very best I possibly can. I grew from nothing into something through sheer ambition and work and determination.’
Sahin’s arrival will hasten the departure of Jay Spearing to Bolton on loan while Scotland international Charlie Adam is also available at £5million though the player has said he wants to stay and fight for his place at Anfield.
Luis Suarez and Steve Gerrard will return to face City after missing the midweek Europa League win against Hearts.
Ironically, City manager Roberto Mancini once tried to appoint Rodgers as his No2 when he was out the game having been sacked by Reading.
‘I got a call and there was a possibility about going to Manchester City and flew to Milan to meet Roberto,’ said Rodgers.
‘They were excited about what was happening there but then all of a sudden I got the opportunity to go to Swansea so to be the No1. Irrespective of money and whatever contract, being the manager at a great club like Swansea was always going to be too good to turn down.’