Xabi Alonso convinced Real Madrid teammate Nuri Sahin to join Liverpool over Arsenal this summer on a loan deal.
The Turkish midfielder this week completed a 12-month temporary switch to Anfield, having previously had the choice between the Reds and Premier League rivals Arsenal.
However, the youngster revealed that former Liverpool midfielder Alonso talked him round to joining his former club.
“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,” he told Liverpool’s official website.
“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.”
The midfielder then reflected on what he hopes to achieve in his season in England.
“I had a difficult season last year because of a lot of injuries. 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 teammates can help me.
“I learned a lot at Real Madrid, a lot – not just about football. Of course I did [learn a lot] about football, but not only that.
“As a person, I've grown up. In the last year, I've had a child and I now have an 11-month-old son. It was a crazy year because on the one hand I got injured, but on the other hand I became a father, became a champion with Borussia Dortmund and signed for Real Madrid.
“It was a crazy year, but I learned a lot.”
