Joe Gomez has outlasted almost every teammate during his time at Liverpool, quietly becoming the club’s longest-serving current player.
Over the years, he has shared a dressing room with title winners, Champions League heroes and modern greats. But Andy Robertson, who confirmed earlier this week that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, is one of the players Gomez has been closest to during that time, both on and off the pitch.
Gomez himself could leave Liverpool this summer, but the manner in which he discusses the legendary Scot suggests he’s staying behind.
Who was Liverpool’s best player during the much-needed win over Fulham?
We think we might know the winner 😁
Liverpool v Fulham - Premier League
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Gomez opens up on Robertson bond after Liverpool exit news
Speaking after the announcement of Robertson’s impending departure, Gomez reflected on a relationship that extends well beyond the pitch.
Interviewed for the Liverpool website, he said: “Robbo for me has been massive, more than just a teammate, like a friend. I’ve shared so many memories of our kids going to the same schools and creating bonds there.
“Obviously I’ve known for a while but similar to everyone, our whole fan base, it hit hard when that comes out and it’s confirmed. I just want him to get all the plaudits he deserves — not just [for] the player he’s been but I think [for] the human he’s been over the last nine years consistently.”
That’s an interesting share from Gomez. Claiming that he has known about Robertson’s imminent departure for a while suggests this was decided some time ago. It might have been when Robertson spoke about his Liverpool future to the press before Christmas.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
Gomez continues: “The presence he’s been for all of us — in good times, in tough times — just what a person. I’m going to miss him a lot because he’s a big part of my life. I spend a lot of time with him. I’ll miss the little things, the journeys in together, the discussions after good games, after bad games.
Andy Robertson and Joe Gomez applaud Liverpool fans after the Premier League match at the London Stadium.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
“He’s one of a kind and I hope he really gets celebrated because he is a legend in more ways than one. I’ll miss him but it’s time to celebrate him as well.”
Robertson’s exit will leave a void that goes far beyond his performances at left back. His consistency, leadership and personality have been central to Liverpool’s identity during one of the most successful periods in the club’s modern history.
For Gomez, and many others inside the squad, his departure marks the end of an era, and the loss of a presence that cannot easily be replaced. And that’s going to be a huge challenge for Arne Slot if he retains his post.
Rate Arne Slot’s second season as Liverpool head coach
Can anyone make a serious argument for higher than a C? 😶
Arne Slot reacts with frustration during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League last-16 second-leg match against Galatasaray at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine
Losing leaders hits even harder given Liverpool’s policy of signing young players. It’s why someone like Gomez now has to stay at Anfield beyond the summer.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox