Fabio Borini has revealed how his maiden Liverpool goal felt like the first of his entire career after he struck in Thursday's Europa League victory over FC Gomel.
The Italy forward marked his debut appearance at Anfield for the Reds with the opener - a clinical first-time volley - in a 3-0 success over the Belarusian side to help Brendan Rodgers' charges book a place in the Europa League play-offs.
The goal capped a lively display from our summer signing, and afterwards Borini couldn't hide his joy at an occasion that will forever live in his memory.
"It was absolutely a day to remember," he told Liverpoolfc.com. "The fans were amazing and the atmosphere was unbelievable, just for a Europa League qualifier. To also get a goal was amazing.
"It felt like it was the first goal I had scored in my entire career. I tried to celebrate as I did for my first goal in Serie A."
He added: "Since I signed, I've wanted to score my first goal as soon as possible. I got my first here at Anfield, which was very nice, and now I will carry on working.
"The goal will help me continue to settle in - goals always help."
Fabio on a dream Anfield debut
After watching his 21st minute effort strike the back of Anfield's newly re-installed red nets, Borini's joy was there for all to see as he wheeled away in elation.
The 21-year-old treated Kopites to a first glimpse of his 'knife between the teeth' celebration, before sliding on his knees as his teammates converged upon him.
"You have seen many, many players sliding on their knees here - like Steven Gerrard and Torres - and I tried to do the same because I was so happy," he explained.
"It was very important to show my own celebration, too. The fans will get to know me better game by game. This was my first game at Anfield and I think I made a good impression on them."
Borini's goal came about after sublime skill by strike partner Luis Suarez created a chance inside the box as he celebrated his new long-term contract by turning in an outstanding performance.
Liverpool's No.29 admits he relished playing alongside the Uruguayan - but was keen to stress the victory was very much a collective effort.
"Suarez made the goal," said Borini. "It was the first time I had played with him and it was absolutely amazing. He is an unselfish player, but we all played an amazing game together.
"Collectively, we did very well - both offensively and defensively. That was the key because we were very compact from the first second of the game until the last. "
Borini makes it 1-0
The success over Gomel was also a landmark night for Rodgers, who took charge of a game at Anfield for the first time as Liverpool manager.
Borini revealed he spoke to the boss prior to kick off, and is looking forward to trying to produce similar team displays over the course of the campaign.
He explained: "The manager said to me, 'We are at Anfield, which is our home. We need to play our football and stay focused because this is just the beginning (for you).'
"I have played this kind of football before with him. It's enjoyable to play because you feel good and feel free to do your stuff and play football - it's great."
Author: @James_Carroll84
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