Dominik Szoboszlai has admitted he idolized Cristiano Ronaldo during his formative years as a teenager.
The Hungarian midfielder recently made a switch from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, joining Liverpool from RB Leipzig in the current transfer window.
Following the signing of 2022 World Cup-winning midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, Szoboszlai marks Liverpool’s second addition of the summer, Sky Sports reports.
In a 2021 interview with Fabrizio Romano, the 22-year-old revealed how he drew inspiration from Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or recipient, who is presently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
“When I was 14, I always had in my mind that I wanted to be Cristiano Ronaldo, like a lot of kids,” the former RB Salzburg star said as quoted by All Football.
“But as I grew up, I knew I could reach the top, and I started thinking about myself, concentrating on myself and not looking at anyone else. So it’s just about me and myself.
He attributed his idol’s mindset as a key factor in his belief that he could accomplish his aspirations.
“Because of Ronaldo’s mentality, he worked so much for his dreams and what he wanted to achieve. And, yes, he did it. So nothing is impossible. I have my own goals, and I want to reach them also.”
Szoboszlai is set to join Liverpool’s squad ahead of their preseason preparations which begin with a friendly encounter against German lower-tier side Karlsruher on July 19th.
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Liverpool have completed the signing of Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig, subject to a work permit.
Szoboszlai becomes Liverpool’s second signing of the transfer window after Argentine World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister’s arrival from Brighton for £35 million.
He scored 20 goals in 91 games for Leipzig since joining the German side from RB Salzburg in January 2021.