Tyler Morton honestly reflects on moment he realized he 'needed to leave' Liverpool

Tyler Morton left Liverpool in a move to French giants Lyon in the summer and the midfielder is relishing playing regularly in Ligue 1 after struggling for opportunities

Tyler Morton is now starring for Lyon(Image: Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Tyler Morton felt compelled to bid farewell to Liverpool last summer and is now relishing his time at Lyon. The young midfielder experienced mixed emotions as he achieved his dream of clinching the Premier League title with his local club, yet found his playing time limited.

At 23, Morton left Anfield after a 17-year stint, seeking more opportunities on the pitch. A transfer has seen him feature in 21 games for his new club, starting every Ligue 1 match he's been fit for, a stark contrast to his 11 appearances under Arne Slot the previous season.

The homegrown talent was denied a move to Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2024 and struggled to secure a spot in Slot's line-up due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, Morton cherished the team's triumphs but also felt a sense of frustration.

Morton admits that the competition for a central midfield position was challenging. However, the Lyon star is content with his current situation.

"Last year was amazing," Morton shared with Mail Online. "As a fan of Liverpool and a boyhood Red, if I had told myself when I was younger that I would be part of a Premier League-winning team I would bite your hand off. I would do anything for that. It was incredible.

"But also it was very frustrating, obviously. I wanted to win so much because it was my club, the club I love. I wanted to be a Liverpool player. So it was difficult when I realized I wanted and needed to leave.

"I felt really ready to play for Liverpool. But there are different managers, different styles. Whatever he wants. Of course, playing behind the likes of Ryan (Gravenberch) and Dom (Szoboszlai) and Alexis (Mac Allister), all incredible footballers, so I appreciated that.

"Now, though, at Lyon, I am loving it. Loving it. It is a lovely place to live and play football. I am just really enjoying playing games again. Last season, obviously, was difficult. This season is amazing to play in front of fans, especially these Lyon fans because they are so passionate.

"It is a massive club with a lot of history. One I could not say no to. A nice warm place my family can call home. The football this manager [Paulo Fonseca] plays is the perfect style for me. It ticked lots of boxes. It was a big decision for me to leave home and what I know best, but I am well ready."

Tyler Morton has impressed(Image: Alex MARTIN / AFP via Getty Images)

Morton reckons the switch to Lyon has proved perfect for him, whilst he continues to benefit from his Anfield connections. "It is great for players my age to go out and experience different cultures, different countries, different people," he added.

"My mate Jarell [Quansah at Bayer Leverkusen] is doing amazing after going abroad. Sometimes the answer is not staying in England and the Premier League, it is to go to a big club in a different country and learn a lot. I am definitely finding myself, I am really happy here.

"My friends and the people I grew up with all understood I was ready to play for a big club. And they have been nothing but great for me. I have friends for life at Liverpool. I have grown up with Conor Bradley since I was 11 or 12, I have known Jarell since I was four or five.

"And I am very, very close with Harvey (Elliott). They are my closest mates and I go and see them if I am at home. They watch my games when possible and it is lovely to get feedback from players who are playing at such a high level. It is amazing to have friends in football like that."