Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says he was “surprised” by Jordan Henderson’s decision to leave the club this summer.
The England midfielder informed the club and Klopp that he wanted to end his 12-year spell at Anfield despite having two years left on his remaining contract.
Henderson’s switch to Saudi Arabia sent shockwaves through football as he became the latest high-profile player to join the Saudi Pro League by moving to Al Ettifaq.
The 33-year-old, who won seven trophies during his time at Liverpool signed a three-year worth close to £350,000-a-week. He spoke with the former Dortmund manager about his role at the club and playing time next season before making his decision to leave.
“It’s not about that. The relationship between Hendo and me grows over nearly eight years and it’s not about that,” the German said as quoted by Liverpoolfc.com.
“Hendo knew exactly the situation – that we want to keep him but if he wants to leave, there’s no reason why we should throw any rocks or stones in the way and stuff like this. It was full of respect and full of everything you need in a situation like that.
“But it was not about me convincing him, it was about me reacting on what was happening – what I did and that’s how I understood the role in that moment. I think the video the boys made for him, if you see that, if you hear that then you know everything about the man. I think everybody would wish that if you leave somewhere then your friends would speak like that of you and that was really impressive, I have to say.
“So, it’s all good. He’s not here anymore. I said it as well, he will miss us, we will miss him. But we have to go on and we will – that’s clear. That’s pretty much everything.”
Meanwhile, Al Ittihad are also on the verge of signing Fabinho after the Reds received a £40m bid for him. The Brazilian who did not travel with Klopp’s side on their trip to Singapore has completed his medical and will put pen to paper on a three-year deal.
On the latest on Fabinho’s deal, Klopp said: “That’s not done yet. He’s not here and that obviously shows things are ongoing, but as far as I know it is not finalised and that means I will not really speak about it.
“We all have to get used to these kind of things now, timings are not exactly like we are used to it in the moment – or so far – so it’s better you wait until things have happened before you speak about it.”
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