Liverpool new boy Luis Diaz explains reason behind choosing No.23 shirt at Anfield

Liverpool’s new signing Luis Diaz has explained why he took the number 23 shirt after completing his move from Porto.

Diaz has joined Liverpool on a five-year contract worth £90,000 per week last week after they agreed to pay Porto £37.5million up front and £12.5m in potential add-ons

The 25-year-old winger will provide competition for places in Liverpool ’s forward positions, with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah still away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.

He is a hugely exciting addition for Liverpool, who beat Tottenham and Barcelona to the signing of the Colombia international.

There is a great deal of excitement about Diaz, who joins Jurgen Klopp’s side after picking up 16 goals and four assists in 26 appearances for Porto in 2021/22.

And he will be following in the footsteps of Xherdan Shaqiri, Emre Can, Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler by donning the no.23 for Liverpool.

“The main reason for choosing it is because I used to wear it before in the team where I started out my playing career at Junior Barranquilla,” Diaz told the club website .

“That’s where I took my first steps in the game, so I grew up wearing that number and things went well for me.

“That is what gave me the idea to choose it again and wear it here. Now, hearing about those big names you’ve mentioned who wore it in the past, it is down to me to wear it well and do my best to help the team and the coaching staff in everything they need from me, being ready to play whenever I’m asked.”

Diaz was only officially announced as a Liverpool player six days ago, but could make his debut on Sunday against Cardiff in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Colombian met Klopp and his team-mates at the club’s Kirkby training base this