Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili says he wants to "write his own chapter" at Anfield, having grown up watching a variety of players in his position excel.
Mamardashvili, who made his debut for the Reds against Preston North End at the weekend, keeping a clean sheet in a 45-minute appearance at Deepdale, arrived from Valencia this summer in a $40 million (£29 million) deal that was agreed in 2024. And he has now given his first interview since making the switch.
"When I was a child, I always watched some videos on YouTube of goalkeepers, and I remember some Liverpool goalkeepers as well," Mamardashvili told the Reds' official website.
"I remember Jerzy Dudek and then Pepe Reina and now Alisson Becker. Liverpool has a big goalkeeper legacy and I want to try to write my own chapter in this goalkeepers' legacy.
"Of course, what I can tell about Ali, he's one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now and I am so happy to work with him. I can't wait to start to work [with] him and learn from him.
"Of course it will be a challenge. I like challenges and I'm here to just give my best and help the team."
Mamardashvili will take over from Caoimhin Kelleher in the second-choice spot. But in the long-term, when Liverpool needs a replacement for Alisson, the Giorgian is young enough to take over.
Joe Gomez and Giorgi Mamardashvili during Preston vs Liverpool.
Joe Gomez and Giorgi Mamardashvili during Preston vs Liverpool. (Image: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
"I don't like too much talking about myself!" he continued. "But I think I'm a very calm, concentrated goalkeeper and I'm very fast and quick in the goal.
"I know the responsibilities that come with wearing this shirt. This badge means so much to so many people. I'm here just to give my best in every training session, every match to help the team and earn the trust of our fans.
"I'd like to speak a few words of Georgian. I want to sincerely thank all the Georgian fans. I'm proud to represent Georgia at this great club and I'll give my all to make you even prouder."
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Writing on Instagram after the Preston game, he sent a message to Liverpool fans. "Hello Reds," he put. "Special moment in my life. Making my debut for Liverpool FC.
"I'm proud to be the first Georgian player to represent this legendary club. I know what this means for my family and for all the Georgian people. Thank you for the support. This is just the beginning. YNWA."
Liverpool.com says: Mamardashvili has arrived with plenty of confidence. For now, he will be second choice, but there is a pathway to taking over from Alisson one day if he can remain patient and carry on developing the talent that he clearly has.