Liverpool coach Diogo Paiva sends a parting message after confirming his departure from the club
General view of Liverpool's AXA Training Centre
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - MARCH 09: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) General view of the Axa Training Centre before a training session at AXA Training Centre on March 9, 2021 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool coach Diogo Paiva says the club "will always hold a special place" in his heart after confirming his departure "earlier than expected" on Friday.
Portuguese coach Paiva, who has worked under Arne Slot as a technical skills coach for the past year, revealed his exit in a message posted to his Linkedin account.
Paiva joined from Porto last summer where he had served as the club's Under-19s coach and was believed to have worked specifically on techniques around individual skills like one-on-one duels with the players at the AXA Training Centre.
In a parting message that was posted on Friday evening, Paiva thanked the Premier League champions for granting him his leave, writing: "Dear Liverpool Family, this club has been more than just a place to work. It has been a home, a family.
"Liverpool has given me so much, and I have been embraced with warmth and support throughout my time here. It is a great club that will always hold a special place in my heart.
"I want to express my gratitude to the management for understanding my reasons for leaving the club earlier than expected and for releasing me from my commitments.
"As I return home to be with my family and await new projects, I reflect on the incredible journey I’ve had here. Thank you all for the opportunity to be part of this magnificent club and for allowing me to experience what it truly means to be a Premier League champion.
"It has been a pleasure working with all of you! YNWA."
Paiva becomes the second coach to leave Slot's set up this summer with John Heitinga appointed at Ajax. Former Netherlands defender and Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst is set to replace Heitinga on the backroom team.
Earlier this week, it was confirmed former Wales boss Rob Page would be taken charge of the club's Under-21s team after Barry Lewtas stepped down after a dozen years at Liverpool, five in charge of the U21s.