"When I met Craig and spoke with him it was clear he is a very passionate person who was very excited by the prospect of playing for Liverpool," said Benitez.
"I'm sure there will be no problems. He is a clever boy and he said to me he knows this is his last opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs. This is an opportunity I know he is determined to take and that is important.
"This is the best club for him to join because he is a Liverpool supporter and I can see how much he wants to play for us. After we spoke, we made an agreement very quickly."