Lazar Markovic came to Liverpool to do what he has done throughout his brief professional soccer career: play and win.
Having recovered from a preseason hamstring injury, Markovic, 20, is in contention to make his Liverpool debut when the Reds visit Manchester City on Monday.
On Wednesday, the Serbian winger told reporters that competition — both internal and external — doesn’t faze him and he expects to play a major role in Liverpool’s quests to win trophies in 2014-15 and beyond.
“I do not have any fear or stage fright whatsoever,” Markovic said, according to the Liverpool Echo. “To tell you the truth, I can’t wait to start playing for Liverpool.
“The competition is fierce, but I did not come to Anfield to fight for sixth or seventh place.
“Liverpool and our fans deserve the return of the most important trophy. I would love to be a part of the generation that brings this trophy back to Liverpool.
“With the Premier League and the Champions League, we’ll be going for it on both fronts. There are a lot of reasons for optimism. This club is very ambitious.”
Markovic joined Liverpool from Portuguese club Benfica in July after completing a transfer worth around £19.8 million ($34 million). Markovic said he doesn’t question his ability to earn regular playing time or meet the expectations that his price tag generates.
“I’m not afraid of challenges,” Markovic said. “It was the same when they took me on trial at Partizan (Belgrade), when the Benfica offer arrived and when Liverpool signaled that they wanted me in their ranks.
“I believe in myself and in the luck that’s following me. I believe in the people in charge of my career. That is why I go with my dreams.
“I believe Liverpool fans expect a lot from me, and to be honest, I expect a lot from myself. The same applies for the people who worked hard to bring me here.
Markovic has played four seasons for two teams (in two countries), and each campaign ended with his team winning the domestic title. Markovic was clear about his intentions and ambitions for his Anfield career.
“I’m here to win the title,” he said.
Photo via LiverpoolFC.com
