21 hours ago
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Jarell Quansah has shed light on his departure from Liverpool, highlighting the influence of former manager Jurgen Klopp on his choice.
The defender sealed a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen shortly after clinching the European Championships with England's U21 squad. The 22-year-old parted ways with Liverpool as a Premier League winner, albeit after a tough season under Arne Slot.
With 25 appearances across all competitions, he only managed two starts in the Premier League in his preferred role at center-back. Quansah acknowledged the difficulty in leaving the Reds, recognizing the necessity of the move to gain more first-team play.
"It's tough to leave this club where you've built so many relationships and friendships," he said. "It was very emotional.
"For a long time, I didn't know what would happen this summer. I only knew one thing: I absolutely had to play regularly to improve.
"It's a bit crazy, and somehow it all happened so quickly. I haven't even had a chance to say a proper goodbye yet."
Previously, Quansah had made a strong impression during his initial season with Liverpool's first team under Klopp.
The center-back reminisced about a discussion with the German prior to his own Anfield departure in the summer of 2024, which played a part in his decision to seek pastures new.
"At the end of his last season, we talked together about what my future might look like," he noted.
"After that, I knew what I wanted (in my career)."
Meanwhile, Quansah has spoken out about the profound sorrow he experienced after the heartbreaking loss of his former Liverpool teammate, Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident alongside his brother, Andre Silva, at the beginning of July.
"When the news came, I was overwhelmed with emotion," he told Bild. "It's so tragic for his family and everyone close to him.
"Losing a friend is incredibly painful.
"I knew him as a great person, a great family man, and a great footballer - it's just incredibly sad."
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