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Darwin Nunez's Liverpool exit came with a closing highlight reel that encapsulated a four-year stint with a heartfelt goodbye to former fallen teammate Diogo Jota.
Liverpool confirmed Saturday that the Uruguayan striker finalized a reported $62 million transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, following prototypical clearance. Nunez originally joined the Reds from Benfica in June 2022 and spent three seasons in the Premier League, splitting opinions among supporters for his style of play versus his role at the club.
His farewell video spanned his journey from his first walk through Anfield's doors to his final match in red. Near the end, Wiz Khalifa's 'See You Again' played as Nunez inserted a tribute to the late Jota, who passed away in a car crash in Spain late July with his younger brother Andre Silva.
The montage weaved together clips of their on-field chemistry and shared goal celebrations, including the video-game-inspired move that Jota made famous.
Nunez previously broke out Jota's celebration during a preseason friendly at Preston, which saw a similar tribute from Cody Gakpo. He penned a message to his late friend online after the celebration.
It also showed them laughing during club media shoots, lifting silverware together, and sharing moments away from the pitch while recording digital content for the club.
Regardless of fans' opinions on Nunez's performance on the field, Jota's inclusion was widely respected and admired online.
"When Jota's part started, I broke down crying so much omg Darwin Nunez I will never be able to hate him," one fan wrote. Another admitted, "I knew Darwin would include a tribute to Jota, but it still nearly took me out." A third said, "I didn't expect this ending with Jota. It's official. Darwin Nunez made me cry at 4:30 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon."
Nunez ended his farewell with a written statement to the club and his supporters. "Thank you, Liverpool. Three years on, it's time to say goodbye," he wrote, adding a heart emoji.
"I'll take with me (the) countless memories that will live with me forever. I leave with a full heart, thanks to the love of (the) crowd that never let me down and always had my back through the highs and through the lows.
"Liverpool will always be part of who I am," he continued. "I'll miss you more than words can say. To all the staff and my teammates, all the very best for the future."
Since Darwin's exit, the Reds have failed to capture their first trophy of the season after losing to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield final.
The game finished 2-2 in regulation, with Palace winning on penalties after Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister, and Harvey Elliott all missed their chances.
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