Inside Andy Robertson's Liverpool exit as legend received no contract offer

Andy Robertson has confirmed he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season after nine years at Anfield, with Tottenham the frontrunner to sign the Scotland captain

Andrew Robertson is leaving Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Andy Robertson informed Liverpool that "he wants to play," revealing that a new contract was never officially offered.

And the vice-captain accepted that an era is drawing to a close at Anfield as he and Mohamed Salah get ready to conclude a successful period. The Reds won two Premier League titles, the Champions League and other trophies with the duo leading the side. Robertson confirmed on Thursday that his ninth campaign on Merseyside will be his last.

Tottenham is currently the favorite to sign the left-back, who played on Saturday as the Reds beat Fulham 2-0 at Anfield and received a huge ovation at the final whistle alongside Salah, who announced his own intention to leave during the March international break.

Robertson disclosed he nearly left the club last summer and during the January transfer window and says the choice to eventually move on was made after extensive talks with senior figures at Liverpool, which ended without a new deal being put on the table.

"There have been discussions all season," the Scotland captain 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.

"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."

Liverpool fans are disappointed to see Robertson leave(Image: Getty Images)

Robertson confirmed: "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, 'Okay, 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 showed that this season.

"Look, you can't be promised [starts] 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.

"You're not getting any younger. I saw a picture the other day of the Champions League final, and even from the big squad picture, there's only five or six of us left. Look, 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.

"[The fans' reception meant] everything. 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."

The 32-year-old has also disclosed his desire to resolve his long-term future before his World Cup campaign gets underway in June. Robertson will skipper Scotland at their first World Cup appearance since 1998 and is eager to have his next move confirmed prior to the tournament's commencement, with their opening fixture against Haiti scheduled for June 14.

He added: "The phone has been ringing with people saying 'congratulations.' 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.

"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.

"There's so many (memories). I have been so fortunate to be involved in so many good games and so many celebrations of trophies and things like that. I'm just honored, first of all, to play for this club, but to win all those trophies and to be spoken about the way I've seen over the last couple of days is really pleasing and emotional for me and my family.

"I couldn't imagine it to be much better. I've had so many good games here, in terms of the fans and big victories, feeling so important, so to pinpoint one is impossible. I can look back on so many memories — and thankfully they've all been happy ones."