Alexis Mac Allister (Photo by Alfie Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Alexis Mac Allister (Photo by Alfie Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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When it came to making a statement over his future, Alexis Mac Allister didn't just stop at a press conference.
The Liverpool midfielder turned what was expected to be a run of the mill media briefing the day before last week's game with Atletico Madrid into a conversation about his future when he said that he was "very, very sad" that talks were not under way over extending his current deal which expires in 2028.
"There was a chance (I could leave in the summer) as everyone knows," said Mac Allister. "I received the news the club was not in position to offer me a new contract which of course makes me very, very sad.
"There wasn't any direct conversation with me, it was with my agent. I don't want to say things they never said, but what I got from my agent is they weren't in a position to renew me.
"It's really sad, we won the Premier League together and went through difficult times as well together and I always give my best. We will see what happens but of course it makes me sad."
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The Argentina World Cup winner then let his football do the talking the following night when he scored a fine left-footed strike from the edge of the box as the Reds came from behind to beat Atletico 2-1 at Anfield in the Champions League.
It was a goal that helped underline what many have felt in this fledgling season already, namely that Mac Allister is getting back towards his best form after a difficult campaign last season.
Andoni Iraola is still having to manage the 27-year-old's minutes after a busy summer and a second successive World Cup final, but while the Reds boss is expected to rotate again for Tuesday evening's Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur, it would be no surprise to see Mac Allister restored to the Premier League starting XI at Bournemouth on Sunday.
And when it comes to his future, ECHO readers have sent a resounding message to the Reds.
A poll launched after Mac Allister's comments last Tuesday received almost 3,500 votes, with 88% of responses saying that the Argentina international should get a new deal.
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Fellow midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have both signed new Liverpool contracts in the past few months, and Mac Allister referenced those deals last week when discussing the lack of talks over his.
Mac Allister's father Carlos spoke on his son's future again on Monday, telling 365 Scores: “No one from Liverpool has contacted us yet regarding a contract renewal.
“We have a valid contract with Liverpool and we respect it. If the club does not offer a renewal, that is their right and their decision. For the time being, Alexis has to give his best for the club in every match.”
On the new deals signed by his team-mates and potential interest from Real Madrid, Mac Allister Snr added: “Alexis is not disappointed after Szoboszlai’s contract renewal. It is a decision made by the club, and we do not judge their decisions; we simply prepare for what comes next.
“No one from Real Madrid has contacted us at any point during Alexis’s career.”