Former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has perfectly expressed his feelings after learning Andy Robertson’s departure from Anfield was imminent. The 27-year-old right-back posted an image of the pair celebrating the club’s 2020 Premier League win on his Instagram Stories.
He wrote next to the photo, “Legends forever (red love heart emoji).” Liverpool fans will no doubt remember the Scotland international as such, having won two Premier League titles, two League Cups, the FA Cup and the Champions League, alongside the FIFA Cup World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Community Shield.
With Mohamed Salah set to leave Anfield this summer, it is truly the end of an era. Salah and Robertson had been linked with a move from Liverpool even before their departures were announced.
Revealing his reasons for leaving Liverpool this summer, Robertson said: “Especially in the last year or so, I’ve had opportunities to leave but I didn’t take them because of how difficult it was to leave this club. And I wouldn’t change that for the world.”
“But I know the football moves forward, I know the team moves forward, and I think it’s time for me to move on, the next move and wherever my career takes me.” Robertson will be remembered as one of the club’s best left-backs in history, and the reactions of his fellow players on social media to his departure speak for themselves.
Alexis Mac Allister wrote: “Thank you Andy for everything! Top man, leader and player.” Fellow defender Conor Bradley posted: “Legend (crying emoji).” Former Reds midfielder Jordan Henderson expressed similar sentiments, writing: “A legend. What a guy (red love heart emoji).”
Jamie Carragher also commented: “Legend”. Meanwhile, Caoimhim Kelleher said: “What a man, a true legend.”
Four clubs are reportedly vying to sign Robertson before his contract expires, with Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Napoli all keen to sign him.
“Leaving a club like Liverpool is never easy,” Robertson said. “Football has been a big part of my life and my family’s life for the last nine years, but I know football will move forward. I know the team will move forward, and now it’s my time to move on.”
“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 and, given the chance, I wanted to make the people and supporters of this club proud of our left-back, who performs week in and week out.”
“I know that my journey is coming to an end. It’s been an incredible journey but I’m not going to give up. This club means everything to me, the fans mean everything to me, the people associated with the club mean everything to me and until my last day I’ll give everything I’ve done for the last nine years to the football club, I think I owe them a debt.”
“Looking back on those nine years with a big smile on my face, it has certainly been one hell of a journey.”
