The Black Eagles officially presented their newest signing today during a press conference at the club’s facilities in Istanbul.
Besiktas’ latest signing Loris Karius said his loan to the Super Lig giants was the right move for the next step in his career after his errors cost his parent club Liverpool the Champions League final last season.
“It is a great group of players and I am very excited and honored to play for a club with such a tradition and amazing fans,” the German said in his first comments since joining the Istanbul club on a two-year loan deal.
“I came here as I think I can make the next step in my career and improve,” said the 25-year-old, who has yet to break through into the German international side.
“I am still young for a goalkeeper and looking for the next step in my career,” he added.
‘Unlucky day’
Karius lost his first team place at Liverpool in the wake of his traumatic performance in the Champions League final last season, when two glaring errors handed Real Madrid a 3-1 victory.
Liverpool signed Brazilian keeper Alisson in the summer but Karius said his fellow German Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was still sorry to see him go.
“He told me he would like to have me in squad but I asked him for my wish and that it’s important for me to leave,” said Karius.
“I talked a long time. He understands my situation. I think it was a good idea for everyone and he wished me well.”
He played down the nightmare of the Champions League final, saying: “This is life, this is football, mistakes happen to any player… It was an unlucky day but that’s football.”
‘Best for club’
He also passed his best wishes to his former Liverpool teammate and Belgian international goalkeeper Simon Mignolet who appears destined to spend the season as understudy to Alisson.
Mignolet had been quoted as saying in Belgian media it was “bizarre” that Karius had been allowed to leave while he had to stay at Liverpool without first team football.
“If you look at it from a neutral perspective, then Liverpool looks at what is best for the club. There must have been a reason,” said Karius.
“I hope he (Mignolet) still has a good season there,” he added.