Andy Robertson has outlined why he chose to leave Liverpool this summer.
Robertson conformed on Thursday that he will call time on a nine-year spell at Anfield, just weeks after teammate Mohamed Salah announced his own exit.
The pair’s departures mean that only two of the Reds’ starting line-up which won the 2019 Champions League final are still at the club in Alisson and Virgil van Dijk.
And the Scotland captain has now explained his reasons for choosing to depart now, having previously been on the brink during the past two transfer windows.
“There’s been discussions all season,” said Robertson.
“Last summer I was close to having a decision to make and I decided to stay.
“It was the same in January. It was more a discussion with the club and it was an open and honest conversation.
“I’ve always said I’ve had an amazing relationship with the owners and people like that.
“It was just a sit-down with my wife to see what we wanted next and obviously we’ll see where we go, but it’s important to end this story and we’ll see whatever comes next.
“I want to play, so that was where the discussions came. It’s not like I’ve knocked back a contract or anything, there was no contract on the table.
“It was a conversation we all had. It was a conversation of ‘okay, this is what I want to do, I want to play and I believe I’ve still got the ability to play.’
“I think I have showed that this season.
“Look you can’t be promised at this club – and that’s absolutely fine. It can’t be promised at any club.
“But it’s also maybe time for the story to end and obviously me and Mo both made that decision this year. You’re not getting any younger.
“I saw a picture the other day of the Champions League final and even from the big squad picture, there’s only five or six of us left.
“Look, these eras come to an end. That’s what’s happening – and in the next couple of years some of the other lads will leave in terms of their contracts and things like that.
“All good things come to an end. I’ve been here nine years and I couldn’t have dreamed of it being any better with all the trophies I’ve won.
“To stay at a club like this for nine years is something I’m incredibly proud of and it’s now time for me and my family to let Liverpool crack on and I’ll look back on some amazing memories.”
Both Salah and Robertson were serenaded by Liverpool fans during rare starts for Arne Slot’s side in their comfortable Premier League victory over Fulham.
He added: “They have been amazing with me since day one, so they mean a lot to me. They know that, so it was nice to get my name sung.
“Obviously the announcement came this week. It means I don’t have to lie to everyone so it’s a weight off my shoulders.
“That was the main reason to do it, but now I am really focussed on just trying to finish the season as strongly as possible because that’s what this club deserves from me.
“I’ve done that since day one and I won’t stop until I leave.”