Jordan Henderson's move to Saudi Arabia has sparked controversy among fans but his now-former teammates and manager Jurgen Klopp showed tremendous respect and love for the Englishman with their farewell message.
After 12 unforgettable years at Anfield, the 33-year-old midfielder waves goodbye to one of Europe's most iconic clubs to join former teammate Steven Gerrard at Al Ettifaq.
The Premier League and UEFA Champions League winner will move to Dammam on a $15.4M deal that will see him earn roughly a whopping $900,000 (£700,000) per week. The Merseyside giants, on the other hand, lose their captain who played a crucial role in their recent success under Jurgen Klopp.
As a result, the German did not hold back when praising the Englishman in his farewell message, hailing Henderson as an undisputable legend of Liverpool.
"Hi, Skipper. We will miss you, you know that. You will miss us, I know that," a teary-eyed Klopp said in a video posted on the club's official Twitter account.
"You are a legend. I know people say recently we use that word slightly too often, I can tell you, that it's not in your case."
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 27, 2023
The boss says goodbye to the skipper @JHenderson pic.twitter.com/0QgjshRYTn
"And when you look back now already, I think you can't avoid a smile and I feel exactly the same."
Klopp, who is renowned for his man-management skills, went on to wish the player, his wife, and their kids all the best in the future while thanking Henderson for his years of service to the Premier League giants.
"So, the longest-serving skipper for me, I always had long-serving skippers. [Sebastian] Kehl, seven years. [Dimo] Wache, Seven years and three months, You are seven years and eight or nine months so you won that race as well!
"I will miss you. I will miss the talks we have, not always easy talks, but I wish you the best of luck. You, Rebeca, and the kids. I wish you the best of luck for this journey.
"If nobody told you yet I well tell you now: you are a legend. I know people say recently we use that word slightly too often, I can tell you that it is not in your case.
"All the best, skip. Speak soon, see you soon and I hope you find time to come back and we can say goodbye as a club properly, because that's what you deserve. Thank you for everything, see you soon, and don't forget: you'll never walk alone."
And Klopp was not alone. Trent Alexander-Arnold, a player who many argue thrived due to Jordan Henderson's presence on the pitch, also posted an emotional farewell to the midfielder, hailing the former captain as an inspiration and a role model.
Skipper, where do I start? The one constant factor in my career since my debut. My Liverpool and England journey we have been together since day 1. To have shared every dressing room with you is something ill always cherish. A constant inspiration to me and the perfect role model… pic.twitter.com/pgBk6Fn28Z
— Trent Alexander-Arnold (@TrentAA) July 27, 2023
Liverpool have recruited two midfielders — albeit two completely different profiles — in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. Furthermore, Fabinho also appears destined to leave, thus forcing the club to pursue another defensive midfielder.
Southampton ace Romeo Lavia has been identified as the ideal target. Whether the Reds will acquire the Belgian ace is a question only time will answer. In the meanwhile, Salah and Co. carry on with their preseason as they prepare to face Leicester, Bayern Munich, and Darmstadt before the 2023/24 Premier League season kicks off.
