Federico Chiesa has insisted he ‘wants to play for Liverpool’ following recent speculation suggesting he could be set for a quick exit from Anfield.

Chiesa made just his second start for the Reds since making the $15.6m (£12.5m/€14.9m) move from Juventus last summer against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday. The 27-year-old played the full 90 minutes in the Netherlands as he made his case for more regular minutes in Arne Slot’s side.

It has been a frustrating start to life at Anfield for the Italian, who had made just eight appearances for Liverpool before last night - most of them short cameos from the bench. His lack of game time, put down to a lack of fitness after not being included in Juventus’ pre-season, has led to some claims back in Italy that he could make a swift return to his homeland.

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Indeed, Italy manager Luciano Spalletti has even suggested that he would prefer for Chiesa to leave Liverpool and return to Serie A. Speaking after the 3-2 defeat to PSV though, the winger has insisted he wants to prove himself with the Reds.

“I have to thank the coach, the staff, for giving me the possibility to play 90 minutes tonight,” he told LFCTV.

“For me it was great, because I need it. I needed it for everything.

“Since I joined Liverpool I’ve wanted to prove myself. I couldn’t for many reasons and tonight, getting 90 minutes after a big while, it was great. So I have to thank the coach.”

Chiesa added: “There’s room for improvement, there’s room to get better and better, and being at the best of my game.

“We have a great team and it’s hard to play, but that’s normal, because I want to be here, I want to play for Liverpool, I want to challenge myself.

“I will be ready for my next opportunity. Again, I want to thank the coach for tonight.”

Chiesa faces a tough task if he is to earn more minutes in the Premier League with Liverpool, with Mohamed Salah having the right wing position nailed down. The Italian may therefore have to make the most of his chances when they come, with his next opportunity to start likely coming in the FA Cup against Plymouth.

“I’m playing with great players, I’m in a great team, we’re so focused on every competition. We want to challenge for the title, for the Champions League, for the Carabao Cup, for the FA Cup,” Chiesa said.

“There’s a great atmosphere, I’m enjoying myself here.

“Of course I didn’t get the chance to play for many reasons, but this is the first 90 minutes in a while, so I’m just happy tonight, just focused on that and nothing [else].

“I’m enjoying being at the club, because Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in the world and the fanbase is just amazing. Playing at Anfield gives me shivers.”