Andy Robertson hints at next club decision as transfer deadline in mind

Andy Robertson confirmed this week that he will be leaving Liverpool in the summer, with the left-back outlining his reasons and how the exit came about following contract talks

Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson is leaving the club(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)

In Andy Robertson, Liverpool will be losing a club legend this summer. Vice-captain to Virgil van Dijk, he has won it all at Anfield, and the long goodbye has begun.

Before, during and then after Liverpool's 2-0 win over Fulham this weekend, the home crowd chanted his name. At the final whistle, Robertson and Mohamed Salah — another huge name who is set to depart — did a lap of honor.

"Everything," Robertson said when he was asked by reporters post-match about what The Kop singing his name meant. "They have been amazing with me since day one, so they mean a lot to me. They know that, so it was nice to get my name sung.

"Obviously the announcement came this week. It means I don't have to lie to everyone, so it's a weight off my shoulders.

"That was the main reason to do it, but now I am really focused on just trying to finish the season as strongly as possible because that's what this club deserves from me. I've done that since day one and I won't stop until I leave."

Robertson also outlined the reasons for his exit. Essentially, he wants to play more regularly, though he accepts that Milos Kerkez is now the number one pick at left-back.

"There's been discussions all season," the Scotland ace said. "Last summer, I was close to having a decision to make and I decided to stay. It was the same in January. It was more a discussion with the club and it was an open and honest conversation.

Robertson recently announced his decision to leave Liverpool(Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)

"I've always said I've had an amazing relationship with the owners and people like that. It was just a sit-down with my wife to see what we wanted next and obviously we'll see where we go, but it's important to end this story and we'll see whatever comes next.

"I want to play, so that was where the discussions came. It's not like I've knocked back a contract or anything; there was no contract on the table. It was a conversation we all had. It was a conversation of 'OK, this is what I want to do, I want to play and I believe I've still got the ability to play.' I think I have shown that this season.

"You can't be promised anything at this club — and that's absolutely fine. It can't be promised at any club. But it's also maybe time for the story to end and obviously me and Mo both made that decision this year.

"These eras come to an end. That's what's happening — and in the next couple of years, some of the other lads will leave in terms of their contracts and things like that.

"All good things come to an end. I've been here nine years and I couldn't have dreamed of it being any better with all the trophies I've won. To stay at a club like this for nine years is something I'm incredibly proud of and it's now time for me and my family to let Liverpool crack on and I'll look back on some amazing memories."

No confirmation has arrived yet in terms of where Robertson will being playing next season, though reports this week suggested that Tottenham, who tried to sign him in January, are leading the race.

"The phone has been ringing with people saying 'congratulations,'" Robertson said. "Things went off on Thursday night, with a lot of texts and a lot of messages from friends and family to just congratulate me on the nine years I've had here.

"That's what I am focused on just now. I am fully focused on getting Liverpool to where I believe they belong, so I can leave them in the best place possible."

Robertson then suggested that his future will be decided ahead of Scotland's World Cup campaign. He continued: "I will be looking to sort my future out sooner rather than later. I don't want to be going to the World Cup with anything hanging over my head, so there will be conversations and things like that, but as of yet, there's nothing.

"I know the contract stuff was kept to ourselves — and this will be kept to ourselves. Until a decision is made, we'll see where things land for me and my family."