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Munoz explains Liverpool transfer choice with Iraola key

ยทBy Paul Vegas
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Munoz explains Liverpool transfer choice with Iraola key

Osasuna/X.com

Victor Munoz insists his move to Liverpool represents the correct next step in his rapid rise through Spanish football, with the winger revealing he has already spoken to incoming Reds boss Andoni Iraola about his role at Anfield.

The 22-year-old completed a remarkable rise this year, going from Real Madrid Castilla to Osasuna and now to the Premier League, all while forcing his way into Spain's World Cup squad.

Munoz told El Correo the switch to England always felt like a natural fit for his game.

"You see it all as very far away because it's such a big club, but the truth is it left a good impression. I think the Premier League is the place that suits me because of my qualities, my way of playing. I think the next step has been the correct one."

He has already been given a taste of what to expect from Iraola, the former Bournemouth boss who takes over at Liverpool this summer.

"He explained a bit about the way his teams play, that it could suit me, how he likes his wingers - open, able to get to the byline, hard-working," Munoz said. "I think I've made the right choice with this next step, because those are characteristics I really identify with."

Asked whether the move represents a leap into the unknown, Munoz played down any concerns about adapting to a new country.

"No, I'm already used to this kind of thing. I left home at 17. I like new challenges and I'm looking forward to living that new experience."

The winger admitted leaving Osasuna, where he enjoyed a breakout campaign, was not straightforward.

"It's difficult because when you're so happy somewhere it's always hard to leave. It's a club that has given me everything, that has been right behind me, both the club and the fans. It's always difficult to take that step forward."

Munoz's journey has taken him from being let go by Barcelona's academy at 14, through spells at Damm and Real Madrid, to Osasuna last summer, who paid around โ‚ฌ5million for half his economic rights. He established himself in La Liga with seven goals and five assists in 34 appearances, form that persuaded Liverpool to trigger his โ‚ฌ40million release clause this summer and earned him a place in Spain's World Cup squad.

Reflecting on the whirlwind year, Munoz admitted even he could not have predicted it.

"This year everything has happened very, very fast. I've enjoyed it enormously there in Pamplona, and it has brought me this reward, a World Cup, and I will always be grateful for that."