Joel Matip will bid farewell to Liverpool this summer after an eight-season spell during which he helped the club achieve some of its most memorable modern moments.
The 32-year-old is set to embark on a new chapter in his career upon the expiry of his contract with the Reds at the end of the campaign.
He leaves Anfield having lifted many of the game’s greatest honors.
The calm and composed centre-back was among the first signings made by Jurgen Klopp.
The then-new manager quickly utilized his knowledge of the Bundesliga to secure Matip on a free transfer from Schalke 04.
A deal was agreed upon and announced before the end of the 2015-16 season, and Matip arrived on Merseyside to begin a new chapter that summer.
It would prove to be one of the best bargains in the club’s history.
Matip made 201 appearances, scored 11 goals, won seven trophies – including the Champions League and Premier League – and thrilled fans with countless mazy dribbles out from defence.
“In all the years that I have been involved in football, I am not sure I have come across too many players who are more loved than Joel Matip. I’m not even sure it would be possible to say anything bad about him,” said Klopp.
“A wonderful professional, a wonderful footballer and a wonderful human being – we have been blessed to have him with us for as long as we have and now all we can do is wish him well as he heads off in a new direction.
“Joel’s qualities as a player are there for all to see and as a club we have benefited from them since the first moment that he joined.
“I don’t think he has had too many headlines over the years but he has only ever been a very famous figure within our group.
“I have said before that if there was one person who wouldn’t care if he was underrated it would be Joel, but the truth is we could not have rated him more highly.
“Not only has he set the standards for himself, he has set them for others and this is one of the main reasons why his time here has been so successful.”
Reflecting on his time on Merseyside, Joel Matip explained the gratitude and affection he and his family will take away with them.
“It has been eight wonderful years here in Liverpool,” he said.
“I was allowed to be part of an exciting history with a great coach and an astonishing team in an extraordinary club. We have achieved great titles and have the best fans in the world.
“I am full of gratitude for the wonderful time I was able to experience with these unique people supporting the club and the fans who love Liverpool FC.
“My wife and I have felt welcomed and supported from day one and together with the kids we had the best imaginable time here.
“We will always keep it in special memories.”
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