Ryan Gravenberch has explained the origin of the photo that appeared earlier this year of him in a Liverpool shirt, saying that he swapped shirts with former Reds defender Ki-Jana Hoever.
Gravenberch joined Liverpool on Friday night, becoming the club’s fourth midfield acquisition of the summer. The Reds have signed a long-term contract with the 21-year-old, who will wear the No.38 jersey.
Liverpool re-created a famous photo of Gravenberch on an exercise back in a Liverpool shirt that was uploaded on his friend’s Instagram page earlier this year as part of his announcement. The midfielder was wearing a 2019-20 Liverpool shirt while riding an exercise bike in the snap.
Gravenberch claimed the Liverpool shirt was given to him by Hoever, who was a member of the Reds’ Champions League and Premier League squads before joining Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2020.
“Oh, really?” When asked about the viral image, Gravenberch answered, “I didn’t see it.” “Ah, OK. Yes, I saw that photo! I swapped shirts with a former player from here, Ki-Jana Hoever, in the gym a few years ago. That was an excellent top.”
Gravenberch elaborated on his delight at joining Liverpool, saying, “From the outside, it’s one of the biggest clubs in the world.” Also, I think the spectators and the stadium are fantastic from the outside. That is why.”
