There is laughter on the other end of the line as Ian Ayre recalls his race across the world to complete one of Liverpool's most important transfers.
It is five years today since Liverpool announced Roberto Firmino – then a rather unheralded Brazilian – had become the second most expensive signing in their history, with the moment being captured with a photograph on Ayre's iPhone for posterity.
With Liverpool in a state of flux following a dreadful campaign, attentions had been focused on the future of Brendan Rodgers, the departure of his backroom staff and the addition of a free signing in James Milner when Firmino – suddenly and unexpectedly – came into the picture.