InterviewSophie Roman Haug: They're building something big here - I want to be part of it

The 24-year-old has become the Reds' seventh signing ahead of the 2023-24 season, following Natasha Flint, Jenna Clark, Mia Enderby, Teagan Micah, Grace Fisk and Marie Höbinger.

The striker arrives on Merseyside from Italian side AS Roma Women – where she lifted the Serie A title last season – having also featured at the Women's World Cup with Norway over the summer.

Liverpoolfc.com caught up with Haug shortly after she put pen to paper on her contract for her first interview as a Red…

Sophie, welcome to Liverpool. How excited are you to be here finally and sign on the dotted line?

Thank you. I'm really excited to be here and I can't wait to get started.

You obviously come to us from Roma. Tell us what the reaction was like among your family and friends when you said you were joining Liverpool...

They're all really excited and it's been a difficult choice because I've had a great time in Roma, but I'm really excited to get started and I feel like it was the right next step for me.

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For you to leave Roma – who are in the Champions League this season – gives us all an indication of what you believe is going on here...

Yeah, I've got a really good impression of the club and I believe that they're building something big here and I would really like to be a part of it.

Tell us about your experience at the World Cup this summer…

It's my first World Cup to participate in and it didn't go quite as we hoped. But for me personally, as an experience it was very important, and it is an experience that I will take on and hopefully get to use.

You've been very modest and not mentioned your hat-trick against the Philippines. That must have been the stuff of dreams…

It was, as you say, absolutely a dream come true. It's not like you walk onto the pitch prepared for a result like that. But for me to be able to contribute with the goals and with three goals also, it was a big experience, which I'm also really proud of.

And what a moment that was for you...

It took some time to sink in and I don't know if it still has, but hopefully one day when I look back there, it will. I will just remember it as a great night and a great experience.

What attracted you to Liverpool and how successful do you feel you can be here?

It's a club with a lot of long traditions and with a lot of ambition. I really hope to be able to contribute with a lot of goals. I have a lot of faith that the team will do a great season. I'm excited to also be able to play in what might be the biggest league in the world.

Just give us an insight into your game. What will you bring to this Liverpool side?

I am a physical player and I like to stay in the box. I like to have a lot of crosses and situations and hopefully score a lot of goals.

The squad is very close-knit here – is that something you're looking forward to being a part of?

Yeah, my first impression here was really good. All the girls were really nice and welcoming. I can't wait to be a part of the family and to get to know everyone better.

What did Matt Beard talk to you about ahead of signing here?

Yes, I had a good chat with Matt, and he showed me and explained to me also what he's thinking for the team and for me, and how I fit into everything. I got a really good impression of it all, so I'm excited to get started.

What do you see as the goals for the team this season and also yourself?

I believe that we can do a really good season… I think that if we get off to a good start and we get the momentum then we're going to be a tough team to beat.

What have you heard about the Liverpool supporters? They're very passionate…

I've heard a lot of good things about Liverpool fans. I'm excited to meet them and to be able to hear them and hopefully in the stands in not too long.

Finally, how much are you looking forward to getting the new season under way?

I can't wait. I'm anxious to get started and to get going with the games, so I can't wait.

• Buy tickets for LFC Women v Everton Women at Anfield now