Liverpool manager Arn Slott has revealed why Andy Robertson will leave Anfield and why the Scotland international will leave the club on a free transfer this summer.
Arn Slott explains Andy Robertson’s departure from Liverpool (Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Arn Slott speaks candidly ahead of Andy Robertson’s departure from Liverpool at the end of the season. The Reds confirmed on Thursday that Scotland international Robertson will leave Anfield this summer, but Slott gave an insight into the motivations for the move.
Robertson, who turned 32 last month, joined Liverpool from Hull City in 2017 and helped usher in a new era of success on Merseyside. However, the player’s involvement has waned in recent times under Slott, with Milos Kerkes vying for the starting left-back spot.
This decrease in regular playing time had a major impact on Robertson’s decision to look for pastures new. And Slott made a similar admission this week, referring to Robertson’s departure.
The Liverpool manager said: “He had a lot of great seasons here as a player, but I think people have come to know him as a great person and I’ve gotten to know him as well. All my team-mates will tell you how funny and a great person he is and it shows well on social media.”
“What I remember most about him is the intensity with which he always played. We learned something about intensity two days ago, but a few years ago (I remember) Lobo pressing from left-back to right-back, and I showed that to the players I worked with at the time.”
read more: Mohamed Salah reacts after confirming yet another emotional Liverpool departureread more: Andy Robertson has four clubs to choose from on free transfer after leaving Liverpool
“He has won everything here and he really loves this club. His nine years at the club have been great. However, this season he has found that he has not been able to play as well as before and as a result he will be leaving.”
“It’s difficult to stay in a position for longer than a season. Every player wants as much regular first-team football as possible.”
Robertson’s contract at Anfield expires in June. There was speculation that the Scot would sign a short-term extension to complete his 10th year at the club, but he has instead opted for a new challenge.
Robertson will leave Liverpool as a modern-day icon (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The veteran defender has won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, one Club World Cup, one FA Cup and one League Cup with Merseyside. Speaking on Liverpool’s official website, Robertson expressed his relief that news of his impending departure became public knowledge.
“I think being outside made me feel better,” he said. “Certainly the hardest thing about the last few weeks and months is that some of the people close to me on the training ground 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.”
“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.”
Robertson and Salah will bid farewell to Anfield this summer (Image: Alex Pantling – UEFA, UEFA via Getty Images)
Slott oversaw a disappointing second season at Liverpool. The Dutchman has struggled to achieve the same consistency after winning the Premier League in his debut season and spending more than £400m last summer.
The decision to use Kerkez at left-back has been a source of debate, with some arguing that Robertson remains the better option despite his age. But as Anfield prepares for the end of an era this summer, the player’s desire to maintain a consistent starting role has prompted him to consider options elsewhere.
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