This summer is going to be huge for Liverpool as it says goodbye to two vital players Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip. It is confirmed that they will leave the club together with the coach, Jurgen Klopp, and it signals the close of this Anfield era.
Thiago Alcantara, the Spanish midfielder, joined Liverpool in 2020 from Bayern Munich, who were holders of the UEFA Champions League at that time. He was considered as one of the best midfielders in Europe.
His stay at Anfield, however, was marked by a lot of fitness as well as injury issues, especially over the last year. Thiago only played in one match for The Reds this season, while his last start for the club came 14 months ago in a 3-0 defeat at Wolves.
Despite his challenging period at Anfield, Thiago’s level of technical skills and talent has proved unforgettable for the club and fans alike.
Outgoing manager Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool praised Thiago for saying, “Before he came to Liverpool, I thought that if you really love football then it made a lot of sense to watch Thiago Alcantara play.” Klopp admired Thiago’s technical ability and felt privileged to have him on the team.
Despite the injuries, Klopp commended the high level at which Thiago played when he was available.
Also Read: Slot Is Looking To Sign £13 Million Star Khephren Thuram
Off the field, Thiago has given back much to the community. Last year, he opened a new play area for young children in Toxteth through The Alcantara Family Foundation and the LFC Foundation.
Thiago assured his commitment to the city: “Our foundation’s work is to be a part of and involved in the cities where we live. Liverpool was a choice, and we want to leave a piece of our body, our soul here.”
Joel Matip is the German-born defender who will also be bidding adieu to Liverpool after an eight-season spell. He was one of the first signings for Klopp after he entered Merseyside on a free transfer from Schalke 04. Matip has, over the years, made 201 appearances, scored 11 goals, and won seven winner’s medals for the Reds.
He has been known for his dribbles out of defense and for playing a crucial role in their UEFA Champions League win in 2019. In the final against Tottenham, Matip’s defensive heroics had shut out Spurs completely on one end, and he assisted Divock Origi to score at the other, leading to Liverpool hoisting the coveted trophy.
Also Read: António Silva Has Been Liked To Liverpool Once Again
Klopp remembered fondly Matip’s assist in the Champions League final: “This was the touch that detonated an explosion in the LFC family. What a moment. What a player.” Klopp wished Matip and his family the very best for the future.
While Liverpool prepares to bid adieu to Thiago Alcantara, Joel Matip, and Jurgen Klopp, fans worldwide are going to remember the contributions which all three have added to the history of the football club. It’s the end of an era, but it’s the start of a new chapter for Liverpool Football Club.
