Andy Robertson to leave Liverpool this summer (Image: Getty)
Andy Robertson says he will leave Liverpool with a “great relationship” with owners Fenway Sports Group, despite confirming he was not formally offered a new contract. The vice-captain played for the Reds for the first time since confirming his impending departure in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Fulham. But FSG, who angered Liverpool fans with a proposal to increase ticket prices at Anfield, are facing further backlash after Robertson revealed he had not actually received an offer to extend his contract with the club.
The Scot admits an era is coming to an end at Anfield as he prepares to end a glittering record that has brought him two Premier League titles, the 2019 Club World Cup and Champions League, two Carabao Cups and the FA Cup four years ago. Robertson confirmed on Thursday that his ninth season on Merseyside would be his last. Tottenham are currently the frontrunners to sign the left-back. At the final whistle against Fulham, Salah received a huge ovation, along with Salah, who had announced his decision to leave during the March international break.
Robertson admitted he came close to leaving the club during the transfer window last summer and in January, and ultimately revealed that the decision to leave had been taken after extensive discussions with Liverpool bosses, but the deal ended without being offered a new contract.
“There have been discussions throughout the season,” the Scotland captain said. “Last summer I had to make a decision and I decided to stay. It was the same in January. It was more of an open and frank discussion than a discussion with the club.”
“I’ve always said I’ve had a great relationship with the owners and people like that. It was just a sit down with my wife to see what we want next and of course we’ll see where we go, but it’s important that this story comes to an end and we’ll see what happens next.”
“I want to play, so that’s when the conversation started. It’s not like I broke my contract or anything, there was no contract on the table. It was a conversation we all had. It was a conversation of, ‘Okay, this is what I want to do, I want to play, and I believe I still have the ability to play.’ I think I showed that this season.”
“Look, I can’t promise you (to start) at this club, and that’s perfectly fine. I can’t promise you at every club. But maybe it’s time for this story to come to an end, and obviously me and Mo made that decision this year.”
“We’re not getting any younger. The other day I looked at the pictures from the Champions League final, and when I looked at the pictures of the national team, there were only five or six of us left.
“Look, these days are coming to an end. That’s what’s happening now – and over the next few years, some of the other players are going to leave in terms of contracts and things like that.
Andy Robertson has spent the last nine years at Anfield (Image: Getty)
“All good things must come to an end. I’ve been here for nine years and with the trophies we’ve won, I couldn’t have dreamed that it could get any better. I’m extremely proud to have been at a club like this for nine years. It’s now time for me and my family to focus on Liverpool and look back on some great memories.”
“(The fans’ welcome) meant everything. They’ve been great to me since day one, so they mean a lot to me. They know that, so it was nice to hear my name sung. Obviously, the announcement came this week. It’s a weight off my shoulders because it means I don’t have to lie to everyone.”
“That was the main reason for doing it, but now I’m just focused on finishing the season as strong as I can because that’s what this club has to offer me. I’ve been doing that since day one and I’m not going to stop until I leave.”
Given that the Reds have already lost experience in Salah this summer, some will be upset that Liverpool have never actually offered the club legend a contract extension. Robertson has performed well this term as a substitute for Milos Kerkes.
But the 32-year-old also revealed his desire to have his long-term future decided before the World Cup campaign begins in June. Robertson will captain Scotland in their first World Cup appearance since 1998 and is hoping to finalize his next move ahead of the club’s opening game against Haiti on June 14.
He added: “My phone kept ringing and people were saying, ‘Congratulations.’ Things started to pick up on Thursday night and I got a lot of texts and messages from friends and family congratulating me on my nine years here.”
“That’s what I’m focused on right now. I’m totally focused on getting Liverpool to where I believe they belong so I can leave them in the best possible place.”
“Sooner or later, I want to sort out my future properly. I don’t want to go to the World Cup with a lot of things on my plate, so there may be some discussions, but nothing at the moment.”
“I know the terms of the contract were kept to ourselves, and this will be kept to ourselves. Until a decision is made, we will see how things go for me and my family.”
“I have a lot of (memories), I was really lucky to be part of a lot of good games, trophies and other celebrations.
“First of all, it’s a great honor to play for this club, but to win this many trophies and be talked about what I’ve seen over the last few days is really gratifying and emotional for me and my family.
“I couldn’t have imagined anything better. It’s impossible to pinpoint one because I’ve had so many good games here that felt so important, in terms of the fans and the big wins. I look back and have a lot of memories, but thankfully they’re all happy ones.”
