Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has issued an emotional goodbye to Ibrahima Konate, praising their time together after the French defender's exit was confirmed
17:49, 31 May 2026Updated 18:16, 31 May 2026
Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool look on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match.
Virgil van Dijk has paid tribute to Ibrahima Konate after his Liverpool exit was confirmed(Image: Getty)
Virgil van Dijk has led tributes to Ibrahima Konate following the defender’s departure from Liverpool, sharing an emotional message that reflected on their shared experiences at Anfield.
Liverpool confirmed that Konate would leave the club on a free transfer this summer after contract talks broke down, despite the Frenchman's optimism that he would renew his deal.
Taking to Instagram after the his departure was confirmed, Van Dijk wrote: "Its been a pleasure! 154 games side by side. Through the highs, the lows and everything in between. Thank you bro. We will mis you but I wish you and your family all the best" followed by a heart emoji.
Konate took to social media to share a message to Reds fans as the news broke. "Five years ago, I arrived as a young player with big dreams," wrote Konate. "Today, I leave with memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
"Representing this club has been an honor. We’ve shared incredible moments together… highs and lows, trophies, challenges, lifelong friendships, and heartbreaking moments that will stay with us forever, none more painful than losing our brother Diogo (Jota).
"Losing my father this year was one of the hardest periods of my life, but even through hardship, my commitment to this club never changed. During the toughest moments, I gave everything I had for this badge. To my teammates, coaches, staff and everyone behind the scenes, thank you for helping me grow every single day.
"And to the supporters… thank you for your love, your energy, and your incredible support. Anfield is truly a special place, and playing in front of you was something I never took for granted. I am deeply saddened that I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to all of you at the last game.
Virgil van Dijk's Instagram story
Virgil van Dijk shared an emotional message to Ibrahima Konate(Image: Virgilvandijk/Instagram)
"At that moment, I didn’t know it would be my final time wearing this shirt in front of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. I love you all and will carry Liverpool with me wherever I go. This isn’t an easy goodbye, but it’s time for a new challenge and a new chapter. See you again soon, inshallah. YNWA."
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A number of players past and present have also shown their support to the 27-year-old. Alisson commented: "Legend, I’ll miss you brother". Cody Gakpo shared a heart and praying hands emoji while Ryan Gravenberch commented a sad face and read heart.
Conor Bradley replied to the post with a crying face and red heart emoji, while Curtis Jones also commented a crying face. Konate's former teammate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain commented: "Mon gars" followed by raising hands and heart emoji.
Konate’s five-year spell at Liverpool saw him lift multiple major honors, including the Premier League title, FA Cup, and two Carabao Cups, establishing himself as part of a successful era at Anfield. However, his final season proved more difficult, with the defender struggling for consistency as Liverpool slipped to a fifth-place finish in the Premier League table.