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Federico Chiesa clarifies Liverpool future following opening day thriller

The Italian has been linked with a move back to Serie A this summer.

Anfield was treated to a memorable Premier League opener yesterday.

The Reds looked to begin their retention of the Premier League crown in style but it was far from straightforward.

Initially, the Reds overcame Bournemouth’s promising start and saw themselves 2-0 up.

However, defensive frailties showed amidst the absence of Ryan Gravenberch and a brace from Antoine Semenyo levelled up the game and set the game up for a dramatic finale.

Federico Chiesa entered the fray and got straight to work, harassing Bournemouth’s backline and causing them as much discomfort as possible.

Eight minutes on from his introduction, he came up with a moment he’ll never forget.

His first Premier League goal ever, at Anfield, at the Kop End.

Truly a night to remember.

Mohamed Salah completed the comeback, but it was Chiesa who stepped up when it mattered to steer us towards all three points.

Following the game, the Italian admitted that he was very happy at Liverpool, amid reports of a summer exit.

Chiesa has repeatedly been linked with a move back to Serie A this summer, with reports suggesting he was after regular first-team minutes.

Speaking to Sky Italy, Chiesa said: “We’ll talk to Liverpool, but I’ll be honest, I’m happy here.”

“I play for one of the best teams in the world I have to wait and be ready like I was tonight.”

“I have to prove that I can play for this team. I repeat, the manager has been very good with me in recent months.”

Arne Slot also gave his verdict on Chiesa’s future, and it appears that he is leaning away from overseeing an exit for the Italian this summer.

He said: “As long as he’s here, he’s definitely at Liverpool – I have no reason to believe something is going to change.”

“He’s had a hard time last season getting his match fitness ready, unfortunately for him he missed out on our Asian tour as well, so then you miss quite a lot.”

“Not only him, Joe Gomez the same, we’ve lost Conor Bradley in the end, so all my substitutions were also related with players that’s probably couldn’t go for 90 minutes.”

“Federico, when we needed him, he came in, at 2-2 we need a number nine, and he delivered and that’s always positive for your future at the club.”

The Italian played a very small role in last season’s title win, but he will be hoping that his vital contribution last night sets him up for a more successful campaign this time around.

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