Takumi Minamino has revealed his ‘regret and anger’ ahead of leaving Liverpool.
Minamino’s two-and-a-half year stay at Anfield is set to come to an end with the forward in line to join Monaco for around £15 million this summer.
The Japan international produced 14 goals and three assists in his 55 outings for Jurgen Klopp’s side, winning the Premier League, Carbao Cup and FA Cup.
But Minamino, 27, admits he struggled with frustration at a lack of regular first-team opportunities for the Reds, making just nine starts last season.
“Many of the games I played weren’t of interest to anyone,” he told Sanspo.
“Even if I left the results, there wasn’t much response. I was trying to inspire myself to prove my worth. I was doing personal training other than team training.
“I was thinking that I would leave something behind when I went to the match mentally. I felt motivated by regret and anger every day.
“I’ve never had this much time as a player. It was difficult to maintain the condition and connect with my feelings.
“But it was a season that seemed to have grown. It was disappointing but fulfilling.
“At the same time, it makes sense to play an important game and leave a result, so it is said that I got out and got a result, but I do not think it was a big deal.
“I want to do my best to be a player who can produce results in important games.”