Inter Milan forward Gabriel Barbosa has revealed that he would like to play for Liverpool alongside compatriot Roberto Firmino.
The 23-year-old forged a reputation as a prolific goalscorer in the Brazilian Serie A before securing a move to Inter Milan in 2016, although his foray into European football was not a success as he scored just two goals in 15 appearances for Inter and during a loan spell at Benfica.
However, the striker, who is nicknamed 'Gabigol', has rediscovered his scoring touch on loan at Flamengo with 43 goals in 56 games, including a dramatic late brace in the Copa Libertadores final last month as Flamengo were crowned South American champions for the first time since 1981.
Flamengo have the option to make his loan move permanent for £20m in January, but the Brazilian admitted that he would be interested in a move to the Premier League.
"Firmino is great, I really admire him. He's been successful for many years in Europe. He is a powerful forward and he has been great for Brazil. He is an inspiration that I look up to," Barbosa is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.
"It would be a pleasure to play with him. Maybe we could team up for Brazil in the future and Liverpool is a team that everyone wants to play for. I like the Premier League very much. It combines technique, strength and speed. I always follow the games from Brazil.
"It really is a place I would like to play. It's one of the best leagues in the world. Every player dreams of being a champion and winning the Premier League must be indescribable."
Barbosa could come up against Liverpool with Flamengo at the Club World Cup later this month should both sides make it through their semi-finals.
Barney Corkhill
