Liverpool manager Arne Slot has shed light on Andy Robertson's Anfield exit and why the Scotland international is leaving the club on a free transfer this summer
Head coach Arne Slot and Andrew Robertson of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Melwood Training Centre
Arne Slot has explained Andy Robertson's Liverpool exit(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Arne Slot has opened up about Andy Robertson's Liverpool exit ahead of his departure at the end of this season. The Reds confirmed on Thursday that Scotland international Robertson will depart Anfield this summer, and Slot has offered insight as to what has motivated the move.
Robertson, who turned 32 last month, joined Liverpool from Hull City in 2017 and has helped usher in a new era of success on Merseyside. However, the player's involvement has wilted in recent times under Slot, with Milos Kerkez jostling for the starting spot at left-back.
That decrease in regular minutes has been a large influence in Robertson's decision to look for new pastures. And Slot admitted as much while addressing Robertson's departure, this week.
The Liverpool boss said: "He had many great seasons over here as a player but I think people got to know him as a great person as well, I got to know him, every team-mate will tell you how funny he is and how great a person he is and that has been shown a lot on social media as well.
"What I remember most about him is the intensity he is always playing with. We have learned something about intensity two days ago, but I can [remember] Robbo making a press from left full-back to right-back a few years ago and I showed that to the players I was working with then.
"He has won everything here, really loves this club, it has been a great nine years at the club. But we saw this season he didn't play as much as he used to and as a result of that he is leaving.
"It is difficult to be in that position longer than a season. Every player wants as much regular first-team football as possible."
Robertson's contract at Anfield is due to expire in June. There had been speculation the Scot could sign a short-term extension to reach a decade with the club, but he's opted to take on a new challenge instead.
Andy Robertson of Liverpool
Robertson will leave Liverpool as a modern icon(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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The veteran defender has won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, a Club World Cup, one FA Cup and a League Cup on Merseyside. Speaking to the official Liverpool website, Robertson spoke of his relief now that news of his upcoming exit is public knowledge.
"I think I feel better now that it’s out in the open," he said. "The hardest bit [in] the last certainly couple of weeks and months is some people that are close to me in the training ground don’t know and more importantly, the fans.
"The closer it gets, the more and more questions you start to get. I’ve always said that the fans are the most important people at this club and I just think now is the time to tell them what’s going on and that obviously this will be my last year.
"I just think it’s better being out in the open, that now I can fully focus on the team from now until the end of the season. I think it’s important that I do that, I’ve always done that.
"But the time to have the emotional farewell and tell the fans and the people connected to this club what they mean to me, that will come closer to the end. I don’t think I’m quite ready for that yet. It’s just to try to get it out there so I can now be open and honest with everyone."
Andy Robertson speaks with Mohamed Salah
Both Robertson and Salah will bid farewell to Anfield this summer(Image: Alex Pantling - UEFA, UEFA via Getty Images)
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Slot has overseen a disappointing sophomore season at Liverpool. After winning the Premier League in his debut campaign, the Dutchman has struggled to deliver the same consistent results after spending more than £400million last summer.
Kerkez's introduction at left-back has been a source of debate, with some arguing Robertson is still the superior choice despite his age. However, the player's desire to maintain a consistent starter role has urged him to consider his options elsewhere as Anfield prepares for the end of an era this summer.
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