2 weeks ago
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Liverpool has confirmed that Luis Diaz has completed a move to Bayern Munich. And the Colombian has now penned an emotional farewell Instagram post, where he also paid further tribute to Diogo Jota.
Diaz leaves Anfield having played 148 games for the Reds in all competitions. He scored 41 goals and assissted a further 16.
And while his departure goes down as a very smart bit of business for Liverpool, there's no denying that Diaz will leave a hole on the pitch that needs to be filled. Frustrating at times but brilliant at others, the one thing you could always guarantee was full application to the cause.
In his first six months at the club, Diaz almost single-handedly dragged Liverpool across the line in both domestic cups. That kick-started a second wave of trophies for Jurgen Klopp's side, after a title defense to forget in 2020/21.
It's up for debate whether Diaz ever really kicked on much further than that initial impact, with an injury in his first full season proving to be a significant setback. But he certainly continued to contribute, something which continued to be true into the Arne Slot era.
With other options faltering, Slot turned to Diaz as his number nine at times last season. That led to his most prolific campaign ever in a Liverpool jersey.
That, of course, led to a 20th league title. So it is that Diaz leaves a champion, something he acknowledged in his Instagram post.
"Three years and a half that I’ll treasure forever," Diaz wrote. "I arrived with all the dreams in the world, and I am leaving proud of everything we achieved together.
"I have met incredible people, fabulous colleagues, coaches who helped me a lot, and extraordinary fans. Liverpool is, indeed, a special team, and I will keep everyone in my heart. The cycle ends here, and it is so gratifying to look back and realize how happy we were.
"Not only because of the trophies we won, but for the union and friendship that made it all possible. There were ups and downs, as there always are, but there was always truth. As it should be in a family. It’s good to be leaving with the feeling of a duty fulfilled, and, most of all, to be leaving a champion."
Diaz then spoke about Jota, who tragically passed away along with his brother Andre shortly before Liverpool's preseason got underway. The Colombian paid a touching tribute to his former colleague:
"It would have been the perfect goodbye if we hadn’t lost one of ours in such a tragic way," said Diaz. "As I said, and I repeat, I carry everyone with me in my heart, but one of them in particular: Diogo.
"I will never forget him. We will never forget him. Thank you for everything."
Diaz signed off with "YNWA", sentiment that will no doubt be echoed by the supporters. He will leave with the well-wishes of the Anfield faithful — at least until the Champions League throws Liverpool and Bayern Munich together!
In the meantime, Liverpool's attentions will turn to life without Diaz. Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz have already significantly bolstered the attack; if Richard Hughes can pull off the audacious Alexander Isak coup as well, then the winger will have been replaced very adequately indeed.
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