Liverpool midfielder GeorginioWijnaldum has revealed that boss Jürgen Klopp played a huge role in convincing him to turn downa move to Tottenham Hotspur in favour of the Reds in the summer.
The Dutch international made the move to Merseyside after completing a £25m deal from Newcastle Unitedin the summer, despite similar interest from Mauricio Pochettino's Spurs, and has since settled down as a regular under boss Klopp during their strong start to the Premier League season.
And according to the Guardian, Wijnaldum suggested that his mind was made up straight away after meeting Klopp in person, insisting that the pair had a laugh, with the Dutchman impressed by the ex-Dortmund coach's interest in his personal life, as well as his footballing talent.
"I had great conversations withPochettino and Klopp," said the former Tyneside player.
"But in the meeting with Jurgen we had a laugh and did not speak only about football. He was interested in my personal life and that was good for me.
Gini Wijnaldum reveals how Jurgen Klopp kept #LFC players positive after Southampton drawhttps://t.co/KqqK8jE7cj
"He was not only interested in Wijnaldum the footballer but Wijnaldum the person.
"When you're not out on the football field you have to communicate as people and it is good if you know something about how the other person is. It makes things easier."
The former PSV staralso spoke of Klopp's impressive and infectious coaching style, which has taken the English top flight by storm, insisting it isn't an act.
"He is really passionate and not only in the game," continued Wijnaldum.
"People might see him during a game and think that's an act. It's not an act.
"He's like that in training. For me that's a good thing because it keeps you sharp and, from his side, he is doing everything he can to make the team ready to win games."