You clearly did speak with Liverpool concerning the potential of a brand new contract right here. Was staying at Liverpool ever a chance given the success of this season and the great relationship you’ve received with Arne Slot?
100 per cent, an enormous chance. I’ve received full confidence within the supervisor and the workers and the membership going ahead. It’s not about me considering we’re not going to struggle for titles or struggle for trophies season in, season out as a result of I knew from the primary few moments with the supervisor that he was a winner, he was aiming to go and win issues. And also you’ve seen that this season with the best way that we’ve performed. So it was by no means about not having confidence in that, it simply boiled right down to what I felt I wanted, and that could be a change. That’s one thing I have to do on my private journey as an individual, but in addition as a participant and an expert, to go and problem myself elsewhere. I really feel like a problem in a unique surroundings is one thing I have to do as a participant.
Are you able to perceive why supporters will likely be upset to listen to that?
Sure, 100 per cent. I’ve been a fan of this membership my complete life, it has given me the chance to go and do every part I’ve finished, to realize every part. So, I perceive that. Rising up, seeing gamers go away that I’ve beloved watching and have helped the crew win trophies, you’re feeling a connection to the gamers that you just watch, particularly once they deliver success to the membership as nicely. So, I utterly perceive the sentiments that go along with that and I’ve felt it myself so I utterly perceive that the information will disappoint lots of people, will anger folks, it’ll make them upset. Clearly that went into the choice as nicely – it’s one thing you don’t wish to do, you don’t wish to ever have these moments the place you’re feeling such as you’re letting lots of people down, you’re disappointing lots of people. However I’ve needed to decide for me, it’s so simple as that. It’s a troublesome one, it’s one which has performed on my thoughts for a very long time however having the ability now to get it off my chest will really feel like a weight is lifted. And I believe it’s essential for the followers to know the place I stand and know what the reality is.
The time will come so that you can correctly replicate in your time and achievements at Liverpool, going means again to the Academy, proper by means of to the primary crew, Champions League winner, Premier League winner. How would you describe your emotions in direction of this place as you begin to consider life away from right here?
Simply the phrase that springs to thoughts is love, if I’m trustworthy. I fell in love with the membership from a really, very younger age and that’s one thing that has grown and grown day in, time out. It has given me the alternatives to go and obtain every part I’ve ever wished, it has given me the alternatives to realize every part past my wildest goals. I can by no means repay sufficient of what’s been given to me and I don’t take it without any consideration in any respect. However, like I stated, on the finish of the day I did need to decide and it’s one which has been very troublesome. I simply hope that folks will be capable to see and perceive that I’ve given every part to the membership, I’ve given every part each single day for 20 years now. I’ve sacrificed every part, I’ve finished every part I’ve ever wanted to do to attempt to assist the crew win video games. And it doesn’t matter what, that may by no means change. I’ll ceaselessly be a fan of the membership, there’ll be no change in that. I’ll at all times be watching the video games, I’ll be supporting from a distance. However by way of a participant on the membership I believe now could be the appropriate time for me to maneuver on and problem myself elsewhere.
We noticed you proper within the mixture of the celebrations after we clinched the Premier League towards Tottenham. How important does that achievement really feel to you?
For me it’s proper on the prime. You get a number of of these moments in your life, I consider. These particular emotions that soccer may give you. It’s been an goal and a goal for us during the last six, seven years I assume. Particularly profitable the title with out followers [in 2019-20] – that was one which motivated us much more, to win it with the followers there. To win it at residence at Anfield was a dream of mine. You dream of that rising up. Successful a Premier League title for Liverpool at Anfield is one thing that I’ve pictured again and again in my head. However to realize that towards Tottenham was proper up there for me, it was a sense that I’ll always remember. I’ll be capable to cherish it ceaselessly.
Now that you’ve got made this announcement, what are you hoping for in the previous few weeks of your Liverpool profession?
I’m simply hoping that we’re in a position to keep on profitable video games, the noise doesn’t take away from the very fact of what we’ve achieved this season. It has been a tremendous season, it has been superb to be a part of it and I simply hope that everybody is ready to perhaps not dwell on this information for too lengthy and be capable to rejoice what the remainder of the lads have finished. Don’t let this forged a darkish cloud over the season and let everybody rejoice what we’ve achieved as a membership. And to benefit from the residence and away video games, the guards of honour, the celebrations, every part that comes with it. I’m hoping we’re in a position to rejoice it collectively. I do know the information will take a little bit of time to set in and folks gained’t be pleased and so they’ll be upset. On the finish of the day, you may be offended and harm at me however I simply hope that the lads, the remainder of the crew, the workers, everybody else is ready to really feel how good a season this has been and in a position to really feel the love and assist from the followers as they’ve finished all season.
When it comes to the followers, is there one thing you’d say to Liverpool supporters?
There’s rather a lot I want to say. The principle factor is an enormous thanks. You guys have been there from the beginning with me, you guys have supported me, been there. I’ve felt the assist, the love, every part that you just guys have finished has by no means been unnoticed by me, I’ve beloved each single minute of it. I hope they’ve felt that has been reciprocated and that I’ve given every part I may to the membership. I’ve finished issues I by no means thought I’d be capable to do, and to do them with the followers and supporters of this membership has been one thing I’ll always remember. I’ve received many, many reminiscences that may dwell with me ceaselessly. There’s little question about it, I’ll be again – I’d love in the future to have the ability to deliver my children to Anfield and present them that that’s the place I’ve performed and present them the movies and highlights of what we have been in a position to obtain collectively. So simply an enormous thanks for that, thanks for every part you’ve ever finished for me. Thanks for the assist, thanks for the love that I’ve at all times felt, thanks for at all times having my again. I’ll at all times love the membership, I’ll at all times love the folks of the membership, I’ll at all times love the followers and the supporters. Regardless that I’m leaving as participant, as a fan I’ll at all times be a Liverpool fan.
