Andrew Robertson leaves Liverpool (Image: Getty)
Andrew Robertson has announced that he will leave Liverpool at the end of this season, ending his nine-year spell with the Reds. Robertson’s contract is due to expire this summer, with the left-back following team-mate Mohamed Salah in announcing his departure.
Robertson was an integral part of the hugely successful Liverpool side under legendary manager Jurgen Klopp, who won their second Premier League title with Arne Slott last season. The 32-year-old, who joined from Hull City in 2017, made more than 370 appearances for the Merseysiders but is set to head to pastures new.
As part of an emotional exit interview on the club’s official website, Robertson said: “I think I feel better being out in public. Certainly the hardest thing over the last few weeks and months is that some of the people that are close to me on the practice field don’t know. And more importantly, the fans.”
“The closer we get to the game, the more and more questions I get asked. I’ve always said the fans are the most important people at this club and I think it’s time to tell them what’s going on and obviously this year is going to be my last.”
Express sports on FB! Get all the best sports news and more on our Facebook page
“But I think it’s better for me to go out because I can focus completely on the team from now until the end of the season. I think it’s important to do that and I’ve always done that.”
“But it will be near the end when it’s time to say an emotional farewell and tell the fans and everyone associated with this club what it means to me. I don’t think I’m ready for that yet. I’m just trying to get it out there so I can be open and honest with everyone.”
Andy Robertson won his second Premier League title with Liverpool last season (Image: Getty)
Commenting on his decision, he added: “Leaving a club like Liverpool is never easy and has been a huge part of my and my family’s life for the past nine years. But for me, the players move on, so do the others. What remains the same is the club and of course the fans.”
“I’ve had a great nine years here, and I think it’s well documented, especially in the last year or so. I had the chance to leave, but I didn’t take it because of how difficult it was to leave this club. And I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
“But I know football moves on, I know teams move on, and I think now is the time for me to move on and make the next move and wherever my career takes me.
“I will always look back on the great memories I have at this football club. I have given my heart and soul to the club for nine years and I don’t have many regrets. I have grown as a man and a person. This club will always mean the world to me and the fans will mean the world to me. It has been a hell of a journey.”
He concluded: “This club means everything to me. The fans mean everything to me. The people associated with the club mean everything to me. And I think I still have an obligation to give everything to this football club until my last day. I have done so for the past nine years and I am very proud of it.”
“That hasn’t changed, and that’s why I don’t think now is the time to have big emotions or cry on camera.
“I’m still very focused on trying to end this season as positively as possible, helping the players and giving the fans a few more good moments. That’s my goal and hopefully we can do that. Maybe near the end of the season you’ll see me crying on camera.”
