Andy Robertson: Liverpool defender to leave club at the end of the season

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson will leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires.

Robertson joined Liverpool from Hull in 2017 and in nine seasons has won two Premier League titles, a Champions League, the FA Cup and two League Cups, as well as the FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Community Shield.

Robertson, 32, has made 373 appearances for Liverpool but has been second choice this season after the £40m summer arrival of Milos Kerkez.

Robertson revealed it was difficult for him to leave Liverpool, despite having offers to do so. Tottenham tried to sign Robertson in January, but a move did not materialise after talks about a £5 million transfer.

Atletico Madrid wanted to sign Robertson last summer, and they are expected to make another move when he becomes a free agent at the end of June. Napoli and Juventus and clubs in Saudi Arabia will also want the left back.

Robertson said: "It's never easy leaving a club like Liverpool, it has been a huge part of mine and my family's life for the last nine years. But for me, players move on, other people move on - the thing that stays the same is the club and obviously the fans.

"I've had an amazing nine years here. I think it has been well-documented, especially over the last year or so, I've had opportunities to leave and I've not taken them because of how difficult it is to leave this club. And I wouldn't change that 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 go. Wherever my next move is and wherever my career takes me, I'll always look back on amazing memories at this football club.

"I've put my heart and soul into the club for nine years and I've not got many regrets. I've grown as a man and as a person. This club will always mean the world to me, the fans will mean the world to me. It has been a hell of a journey."

Robertson follows Mohamed Salah, who also joined Liverpool in 2017, in leaving Anfield in the summer. Ibrahima Konate is also out of contract at the end of the season.

Trent Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid last summer, Luiz Diaz moved to Bayern Munich and Diego Jota tragically passed away as the famous Liverpool side of Jurgen Klopp continues to evolve.

Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Joe Gomez are out of contract in the summer of 2027.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot admitted Robertson's decision to leave was undoubtedly influenced by a lack of starts this season.

"First of all, he had many great seasons over here as a player, but people got to know him as a great person - I got to know him as a great person," Slot said at his press conference on Friday.

"Every team-mate will tell you how funny he is and how great of a person he is. That will be shown on social media.

"What I remember most about him is the intensity he is always playing with. We learnt something about intensity two days ago.

"He has won everything over here and served this club for so many years. He really loves this club. It has been a great nine years for him at the club, but this season he did not play as much as he was used to.

"As a result of that, he is leaving. It is difficult to be in that position longer than a season."

Asked whether it was Robertson's own decision to leave, Slot said: "It is a question to ask him rather than to ask me. Every player wants as much regular first-team football as possible."

Liverpool's players took to social media to pay tribute to Robertson's news. On Instagram, Mohamed Salah led the tributes: "With these pictures showing the bond we shared, I almost felt I could get away with saying nothing about you leaving.

"It's been an honour to be your teammate and your friend. You've won it all and you leave as a legend. I'm sure we will meet again."

Trent Alexander-Arnold, who departed Liverpool last summer and whose full-back partnership with Robertson became infamous, described Robertson as a "legend forever" on social media.

"Legend" was also the term used by Virgil van Djik to describe the Scot, while Cody Gakpo gave a lengthy tribute to the defender.

"Honoured to call you a team-mate," Gakpo wrote. "Your professionalism and mentality were second to none. You led by example in every moment and gave everything for the club. Thank you for everything."

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones wrote: "A player/person every football club needs! You'll be a huge miss brother, legend!".